I bring to you fraternal greetings from the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I am pleased to participate in the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) for the first time.May this edition of the BNC be both productive and historic.
My enthusiasm for this event is born of the storied and proud history of the Nigeria – South Africa relationship, which has been strong since the end of apartheid and the the birth of true democracy in this great country.
Nigeria’s contributions to that epic struggle represent noble and outstanding moments in our foreign policy and in the evolution of our role as a leading nation on this continent. We did what we had to do because it was just and because you are our brothers and sisters who deserved freedom and justice, not the discrimination and suppression to which that terrible, unjust and oppressive system subjected this excellent people.
Nigerians from all walks of life mobilized in unison with the illustrious people of this country out of a firm conviction that apartheid was evil to be swept way not something that should be countenanced and legitimized through inaction or half measures.
It was for us a historic responsibility that we discharged with pride and determination.
As was expected, our efforts put Nigeria on a collision course with some powerful countries. Nigeria is proud to have shared the burdens of her brothers in South Africa during such critical times.
This is the essence of the brotherhood we seek for this continent; to stay side by side, shoulder to shoulder for liberation, nondiscrimination and for democratic good governance in support of the best and legitimate aspirations of the people. Just as we stood with you, we shall always bear in remembrance how South Africa was with us at critical moments of our struggle against military rule.
At my inauguration as President, my brother and friend, President Ramaphosa was one our earliest guests in Abuja. I greatly appreciate that gesture.
I am equally pleased to have been part of the historic event of your inauguration after your re-election as President.
I also recall that you took time from your schedule to hold meaningful discussions with me on how we can collaborate to advance African development.
Our discussions on that day and our deliberations today give due honor to a tradition established between our two nations as successive governments on both sides have accorded recognition to our shared history of collaboration and cooperation.
We must ensure that the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between our two leading countries in Africa will intensify and deepen under our leadership of our respective nations .
This is not a matter of choice but of a destiny that includes a historical responsibility that we owe the African people.
This BNC has been in existence since 1999. With some three dozens Memoranda of Understandings and Agreements already in operation, the BNC has truly come of age.
I must, however, sound a note of caution. Let us not count our successes by the number of MoU’s and agreements signed. They will be mere papers until we implement them. This is the job of our senior officials and I must implore them to redouble their efforts in this regard.
I am pleased to note that this framework has achieved a lot. My desire is that we accelerate the aspects that relate to youth development.
Outside of abundant natural resources, human resources is our most precious resource: the huge population youth our two countries harbor. A demography that must be tended, invested in, and have their skills and potentials harvested for development.
My government has built an inclusive government in which young people are now in charge of some of the key sectors of the economy. Believing the future for them starts now. Let us connect Nigerian Youth and South African Youth and leverage their potentials for development.
Many South African companies such as the MTN and Multichoice have found home in Nigeria, while Dangote, Access Bank and other Nigerian companies are making their marks in the South African market. I can not pretend that all has gone satisfactorily well. I, however, believe we can identify the gaps and challenges, including persistent irritants in our relations, and deal with them appropriately. To me, this is the real essence of the BNC.
Together, we can act as engines of economic integration and development in our respective sub-regions as well as on the continent.
We also have a strong role to play in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the benefit of the entire continent.
The continent looks up to us, and we cannot afford to fail them.
We need to leverage the potentials of this partnership to strengthen economic, political, business to business, as well as people to people relationships between our two countries, bearing in mind the tremendous benefits it promises.
Our successes will change the negative narratives of seeing Africa as a continent marred by poverty and conflict with leaders unable to offer the kind of transformational reform the continent deserves.
As the adage goes “the glory of the eagle does not please the kite,” let us remain mindful of the overt and covert hostilities that the success of our partnership will attract. If we are vigilant, committed and persistent, we will surely soar like the eagles over the reach of predators.
So, we must remain strongly united on purpose.
Mr. President, I am pleased to note that at multilateral fora, our countries have remained steadfastly united on principles, including the campaigns for United Nations reforms; non-nuclear proliferation; complete de-colonization of the African continent; and respect for international law and the sovereignty of nations.
One thing I would like this edition of the BNC to explore is the possible need to establish an anti-illegal mining group of African nations. Our natural resources are supposed to be mined for the betterment of our people. However, there seems to be a concerted effort flowing in the opposite direction. Throughout Africa, illegal mining is not only robbing our nations of precious income, which could foster development. Sponsored by powerful outside forces, such mining is fomenting strife, servitude, poverty environmental degradation and undermining the writ of legitimate government. We can not allow this inland piracy to become a scourge to our good and healthy designs for our people. South Africa and Nigeria should and must take the lead in placing this issue before the global community and in resolving it for the good of our continent and its people.
Nigeria would like to join South Africa and the African Union in the G20 so as to strengthen the African voice in the group and globally.
As South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20, we urge that the position be leveraged for the development of our continent.
This high-level strategic partnership between South Africa must become a model of leadership and shared vision that will inspire and take our people into a brighter and greater future of prosperity and development, an Africa That We Want.
I Thank you all for listening.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief
Nigerian Armed Forces
Tuesday, 3 December, 2024.
