Nigeria and South Africa must drive Africa’s transformation – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called for the Nigeria-South Africa strategic partnership to become a model of leadership, economic integration, and shared prosperity for Africa.

Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this at the opening of the 11th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.

He charged both countries to overcome what he called “irritants” that hindered their collaboration and focus on transforming Africa’s global image.

Tinubu, who co-chaired the presidential BNC with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the continent’s two largest economies and its potential to redefine the global perception of the continent.

He also urged South Africa to champion Africa’s interests during its current G20 presidency.

The president reiterated Nigeria’s desire to join the bloc alongside South Africa and the African Union.

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He said: “The continent looks up to us; we cannot afford to fail it.

“We need to leverage the potential of this partnership to strengthen economic, political, business-to-business, as well as people-to-people relationships between the two countries, bearing in mind the tremendous benefits it promises.

“Our successes will change the negative narratives of seeing Africa as a country perpetually mired in poverty and conflict and with their leaders unable to offer the kind of transformational leadership the continent deserves.”

On the achievements under the BNC framework, established 25 years ago, President Tinubu said over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were in operation despite many setbacks.

He, however, stressed the need for actionable implementation of agreements.

“Let us not count our successes by the number of MoUs and agreements signed.

“They will be mere papers until we implement them in spirit and letters. This is the job of our senior officials, and I must implore them to redouble their efforts in this regard,” he added.

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