South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma will begin a two-day state visit to Nigeria on Tuesday March 8.
The South African authorities made the announcement yesterday.
The South African Presidency stated that President Zuma was travelling to Nigeria at “the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
But LEADERSHIP Sunday findings reveal that the visit may not be unconnected to the ongoing spat between South Africa’s telecommunications giant MTN and Nigeria’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over a fine of over N1trillion imposed on MTN for violating an earlier order by the federal government to deregister some customers.
“During the State Visit, President Zuma is expected to address the Joint Session of the National Assembly of Nigeria, and will, together with President Buhari, address the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum,” the Presidency said.
South Africa and Nigeria have good bilateral political, economic and social relations, underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.
“The two countries conduct their bilateral relations through a structured Bi-National Commission (BNC) established in 1999. There are more than 120 South African companies doing business in Nigeria in various sectors, including telecommunications, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, entertainment and fast food. Nigeria is South Africa’s key trading partner on the continent, providing significant opportunities for its exports and investments. Nigeria is ranked seventh in terms of South Africa’s total trade in Africa,” a statement released earlier this week reads.
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