‘We want Nigerian products on shelves in South Africa’: President Ramaphosa announces simplification of visa process for Nigerians

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to ease visa regulations for Nigerian business people and for tourists from Nigeria travelling to South Africa.

Ramaphosa hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who led a delegation to South Africa for the 11th session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria in Cape Town.

“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa, in fact we want to see Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops. Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa.

“Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa.

“In addition, tourists from Nigeria are now able to apply for a visa without even submitting a passport. We expect that this 11th session of the Bi-National Commission will enable us to consolidate cooperation in a number of areas,” said Ramaphosa.

On Monday, IOL reported that Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, had welcomed the visiting Nigerian delegation, led by Tinubu, to South Africa.

“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, allow me to warmly welcome you and your delegation to the city of Cape Town,” said Lamola.

“Your journey from the great country of Nigeria to our shores to facilitate the upcoming session of our respective presidents is testimony to the enduring relationship that exists between our two countries. This symbolises the very strong bonds of cooperation and solidarity that our countries enjoy.”

Ramaphosa and Tinubu co-chaired the 11th session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria on Tuesday.

This year, South Africa and Nigeria are marking 30 years of diplomatic relations, established in February 1994.

The Bi-National Commission was preceded by a senior officials’ meeting on Saturday and Sunday, and the ministerial meeting on Monday. Lamola co-chaired the ministerial meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu in Cape Town.

“This year marks 30 years since our two countries established diplomatic relations, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, a gesture we will always cherish,” said Lamola.

“Dear Minister (Odumegwu-Ojukwu), we are deeply honored to host you and your delegation at this ministerial segment of the South Africa- Nigeria Bi-National Commission.”

As the two nations deepen bilateral collaboration, Lamola said the governments cannot avoid the historical responsibility to be responsive to the challenges in their respective regions, the continent of Africa and the international sphere.

“Nigeria has always championed the creation of an international system based on the pursuit of peace in the conduct of relations among nations. Nigeria, like South Africa, puts a high premium on the promotion dialogue and peace in resolving disputes among countries,” he said. 

“Your current and previous leadership of Ecowas illustrates this track record of highlighting the supremacy of diplomacy over confrontation. South Africa, in the past 30 years as a democratic state, has espoused the principles of living in peace with its neighbors, Africa and the world,” said Lamola.

“Our past history of division and subjugation of the oppressed majority by the privileged few, enjoined us to promote the core values of peace, dialogue, mediation and the creation of a just international order. This has shaped our approach to global issues. It is in this context that we are concerned by the state of peace and security in some parts of our continent and globally.”

In March 2016, during the State visit by South Africa, the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria was elevated to a presidential level.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said there have been a number of exchanges of high-level visits between the two countries, including the visit to Nigeria by Ramaphosa to attend Tinubu’s inauguration ceremony held in Abuja on May 29, 2023.

In turn, Tinubu attended the inauguration of Ramaphosa in June 2024 and the two heads of State had an opportunity to exchange views.

“South Africa regards Nigeria as a strategic partner in the context of bilateral relations in the West Africa region, and the continent in pursuing the vision for Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and in the promotion of a rules-based international system of governance. The two countries share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent,” Dirco said in a media advisory.

There are currently 34 agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries which cover a wide range of fields, including economic, technical, scientific, social, and tourism, among others.

The two countries share historical relations dating back to the struggles against colonialism and apartheid, during which period Nigeria supported the African National Congress and other liberation movements.

Nigeria spearheaded various campaigns, calling for political and economic sanctions against the apartheid system.

In December 1989, Nigeria championed the adoption of the landmark UN Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in South Africa.

The Bi-National Commission is expected to further deepen the existing political relations between South Africa and Nigeria and celebrate 30 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1994.

A business roundtable between South Africa and Nigeria will follow after the conclusion of the Bi-National Commission on Tuesday.

Nigeria accounts for approximately 64% of South Africa’s total trade with the West African region.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL