On Monday, Nigeria formally requested South Africa’s backing to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank. Additionally, Nigeria is seeking South Africa’s support to take on leadership roles in thematic discussions of mutual interest during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
The appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, while its membership in the expanded BRICS group positions it as a key player in global economic discourse, representing about 37% of the world’s GDP.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s priority of resolving the ongoing crisis in Sudan, seeking South Africa’s collaboration in accelerating peace initiatives. “We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and, in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated,” she remarked.
The minister further lauded the officials of both nations for their efforts in drafting a communiqué and addressing amendments for presentation at the BNC’s presidential session, where Presidents Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa are expected to finalize key agreements on Tuesday.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, acknowledged Nigeria’s requests, committing to amplify Africa’s voice during South Africa’s G20 presidency. “We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” Lamola noted, emphasizing the shared resolve to enhance bilateral relations.
Lamola outlined critical areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, health, education, agriculture, technology, climate change, and security. He also underscored the importance of finalizing outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.
During the opening session of the BNC, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen its strategic partnership with South Africa, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building within the mining sector. She presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration on certifying Nigerian mining geologists and professionals to boost their global competitiveness.
“Our goal is to explore opportunities in co-financing infrastructural projects that benefit both economies and to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals,” she said.
The ministerial discussions pave the way for high-level engagements between the two countries, with expectations of strengthened strategic ties and initiatives to foster economic and regional growth.
