Nigeria has pledged to strengthen security and economic ties with São Tomé and Príncipe following the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
Attending the ceremony on behalf of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle emphasised the need for deeper cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly around maritime security and the shared Joint Development Zone (JDZ).
Speaking at the parliament building in the capital, Mr. Matawalle commended the island nation for holding a peaceful, transparent election and praise its commitment to democratic values.
In a message delivered by his envoy, President Tinubu congratulated his counterpart and highlighted the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship.
”Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries,” President Tinubu said. “I look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest.”
The ceremony drew a range of regional and international dignitaries, including Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema, and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The Gulf of Guinea remains a crucial maritime trade route that faces ongoing challenges from piracy and illegal fishing. Both nations share significant economic interests in the region, particularly regarding joint offshore energy exploration in the JDZ.
Mr. Matawalle reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to regional stability and development, describing the delegation’s presence as a sign of the “historic ties of friendship, fraternity, and cooperation” between the two West African nations.
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