By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa has announced that the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will in November meet with his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa on what he called business-to-business interaction that will enhance relations between both countries.
Mallam Muhammad Haruna Manta during a working visit at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), in Johannesburg, South Africa, remarked that the meeting between the two leaders is under the auspices of the Bi-National Commission formed in 1999, to strengthen the trade and bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
President Tinubu would discuss business matters that affect both countries, including visa permits for Nigerians travelling to South Africa, the envoy noted.
“The Nigeria-South Africa relationship was cordial under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, which led to the formation of the Bi-National Commission between both countries in 1999,” Manta said.
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He however noted that the relationship started losing bond years after both leaders left the stage as presidents, with some incidents, leading to the relocation of many South African businesses in Nigeria, back to South Africa.
He said that the strained relationship between both countries, is currently affecting Nigerians who are regularly denied visas to travel to South Africa.
Asked if e-Visa would be discussed at the meeting, in a manner that would allow Nigerians to get visa-on-arrival in South Africa, Manta answered in affirmative, explaining that several other issues, including trade relationships and cross-border financial transactions, would be addressed at the meeting.
Also, the Deputy Minister, DIRCO, Republic of South Africa, Mashego Dlamini, confirming the November Bi-National Commission parley, said the meeting would be an avenue for both the Nigeria and South Africa presidents to discuss bi-lateral trade relationship and enter into some agreements that will further strengthen the relationship between both countries.
xenophobic violence and racism against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa has escalated in recent times, with Nigerian and Nigerian businesses targeted for attacks and looting.
Despite having several business interests in Nigeria, including MTN, Shoprite and many others, South Africa under a protest, “Operation Dudula” whose slogan is “Put South African First” had repeatedly unleashed mayhem on Nigerians in most provocative and demeaning circumstances, with many Nigerian nationals being tortured and killed.
According to World Report 2023, Human Rights Watch, South African security forces conduct door-to-door searches for undocumented foreign nationals, whom they blame for the country’s high crime and unemployment rates.
