Nigeria, São Tomé Strengthen Maritime Security, JDZ Cooperation — Matawalle
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in the areas of maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, stated this on Friday while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of São Tomé and Príncipe’s President, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, for a second five-year term.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Matawalle congratulated President Vila Nova on his re-election and commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.
He said the outcome of the election reflected the confidence reposed in Vila Nova’s leadership by the people, while commending the country’s electoral commission, political parties and citizens for strengthening democratic institutions.
According to Matawalle, Nigeria attaches great importance to its longstanding relationship with São Tomé and Príncipe and is prepared to further expand cooperation between both countries.
“President Tinubu values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” he said.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and development across the Gulf of Guinea, stressing the importance of closer collaboration with São Tomé and Príncipe in addressing shared regional interests.
He noted that President Tinubu’s representation at the inauguration demonstrated Nigeria’s recognition of the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.
The inauguration, held at the Parliament Building in São Tomé, attracted several African and European leaders and other dignitaries.
Among those in attendance were 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 Téte António, who represented the Angolan President, and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
Matawalle said Nigeria remained ready to re-establish and strengthen closer ties with São Tomé and Príncipe for the mutual benefit of both countries and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
