By Egena Sunday Ode
Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to urgently finalise the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries.
The decision was revealed on Tuesday in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape town.
President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted in a statement on Tuesday.
In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks, the statement also noted.
Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude, and present during the 11th session of the BNC.
The joint communique, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU.
“To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” Lamola said.
Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements, the statement said.
According to the communique, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.
“In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC.
“The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries.
“In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.
The joint communique read, “The leaders recognised the need for the two countries to create an enabling business environment.”
On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders committed to working towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the agreement.
Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthen meaningful digital connectivity, and take leadership in developing artificial intelligence.
They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens.
Nigeria and South Africa affirmed their resolve to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent’s development agenda.
They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions that reflect the continent’s diverse perspectives.
