Nigeria And South Africa To Finalize Early Warning System MoU To Tackle Crime And Violence

Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to speed up finalizing the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an Early Warning Mechanism, which aims to monitor and prevent violence and crime involving nationals of both countries.

The agreement was made during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), held in Cape Town. The session was co-chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as per the official X statement.

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, confirmed that the MoU was all set to be signed by March next year, during his upcoming visit to Nigeria. He underscored that the agreement will ensure the safety and security of citizens.

During the meeting, Tinubu and Ramaphosa instructed ministries, departments, and agencies from both countries to work more closely together under the BNC framework.

"In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC," Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in the statement shared on social media.

"The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy."

On the African Continental Free Trade Area, which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders agreed to work toward increasing and balancing trade between the countries, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the agreement.

Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to work together on addressing shared challenges in food and nutrition security, improving digital connectivity, and leading the development of artificial intelligence.

They committed to expanding digital literacy programs and prioritizing data protection and online safety for all citizens. They also emphasized their support for fair representation in African Union institutions that reflect the continent's diversity.

South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the director general of the World Trade Organization, and both countries agreed to collaborate closely in international organizations.