The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has called for an end to the unhealthy rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa.
Buhari said the two foremost economies in Africa should strengthen “people-to-people” relationships for their good and that of the entire continent.
The President made this statement when he received his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday at the State House, Abuja.
Ramaphosa was visiting for the 10th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).
He restated Nigeria’s devotion to improving a “special relationship’’ with South Africa for the benefit of Africa in the education, science, trade and investment, tourism, and security sectors.
In his words, “Mr. President, permit me to state that some of the challenges identified during the last Bi-National Commission (BNC) have not been completely addressed.
“We need to ensure that our people-to-people relations are enhanced to a point where there would be no need for unhealthy competition.
“In this regard, we need improvement in educational and scientific cooperation, mines and energy resources, transport and aviation, tourism, youth exchange programs, trade, and investment and military cooperation, to mention but a few.”
Buhari also told ministers and delegates of both countries that a strong bond of brotherhood between Nigeria and South Africa would be a catalyst for all-around development in the continent.
