Nigeria, São Tomé Deepen Ties on Maritime Security, Joint Development Zone

The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, with particular emphasis on maritime security, the Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, stated this while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.

Matawalle, who conveyed President Tinubu’s message at the ceremony held at the Parliament Building in São Tomé, congratulated Vila Nova on his re-election and commended the people of the country for conducting what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election.

He said the outcome of the election reflected the confidence reposed in Vila Nova’s leadership by the people, while commending the government, National Electoral Commission, political parties and citizens for contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions.

According to Matawalle, Nigeria attaches great importance to its longstanding friendship with São Tomé and Príncipe and is ready to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“Your victory reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Nigeria commends the Government, the National Electoral Commission, political parties and the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for strengthening democratic institutions in your country,” he said.

He conveyed President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding cooperation between both countries, particularly in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment.

“President Tinubu values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. He therefore looks forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” Matawalle said.

The Minister further stressed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that stronger cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe would benefit both countries and contribute to regional stability.

He said President Tinubu’s representation at the inauguration demonstrated the historic bonds of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that have continued to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The inauguration attracted several African and European leaders and other dignitaries, including President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo; President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon; Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvinda Levy; Angola’s Foreign Minister and representative of the Angolan President, Téte António; and Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch.

Matawalle said Nigeria was prepared to re-establish and strengthen closer relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in areas that would promote shared prosperity and regional security.