Nigeria and South Africa today reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing ties and strengthening economic integration during the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town.

Speaking at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) today in Cape Town, President Bola Tinubu called for unity of purpose and the establishment of an Anti-illegal Mining group in Africa, to address the scourge of illegal mining impoverishing the African nations.

Our Correspondent, Raliat Adenekan reports that President Tinubu charged the Leaders of the two countries to strongly commit to implementing decisions that have been made and consolidating cooperation across various sectors, while ensuring investment, empowerment and harnessing the skills of resourceful Youths of the two nations.

In order to strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he wants to “see Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops”, adding that legitimate Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa, while Tourists from Nigeria are now able to apply for a visa without submitting a passport.”

President Ramaphosa also touched on rise of impunity, unilateralism, conflict and war stressing the urgent need for the reform of the UN Security Council and other global institutions.

He pledged that South Africa will use its presidency of the G20, the first by an African nation, to put the priorities of the African continent onto the agenda of the powerful global economic forum.