South Africa calls for better cooperation with Nigeria

L-R: Ambassador Lulu Louis Mnguni, South Africa High Commissioner to

Nigeria; Professor Ademola Abbas, representative of Governor of Lagos

State and Mr. Darkey Africa, South Africa Consul-General in Lagos.

As the new Consul-General of South Africa, Darkey Africa resumed work

in Lagos, South Africa High Commission in Nigeria has advocated for a

continuous better working relationship between Nigeria and South

Africa for a greater Africa.

Speaking at the celebration of South Africa Freedom Day in Lagos, the

South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Lulu Mnguni,

stated that building a better Africa must be the focus of South Africa

and Nigeria.

Explaining that the growth of Africa depends on the bilateral

relationship between Nigeria and South Africa; Muguni disclosed that

the total trade between the two countries has increased exponentially

from N268 billion in 2010 to more than NN831 billion in 2015.

"Building a better Africa must therefore be our main focus; it is in

our interest and future prosperity to do so," he explained.Citing the

recent meetings of both Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Jacob Zuma in

Johannesburg and Abuja respectively, Mnguni said both leaders are

committed to provide an enabling environment for business to take

place and for people, goods and services to move freely between the

two countries.Africa who resumed duty on 5th of May, this year,

appreciated the warmth hospitality of Nigerians for the short period

he arrived the country.

He said, "You have always, as the people of Nigeria extended

yourselves to help us- we shall forever remain grateful and thankful.

We owe these 22 years of democracy to your unyielding support."

"The spirit of our forebears such as; Awolowo, Azikiwe, Bello,

Mandela, Tambo, Sisulu and others, continue to imbue our two countries

with a new determination, never to depart from the path they set for

the renaissance of Africa. Our people must renew their trust in each

other and the collective future of Africa. In this, we must never

falter, despite our geographical locations and inherent challenges.

Our business people must never doubt our two countries commitment to

create a conducive environment for their success and the protection of

their well-being. Conducting business in Nigeria and South Africa must

be both fulfilling, exciting and without hassles," he continued.

Professor Ademola Abbas who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of

Lagos State disclosed that Lagos has always played a good host city to

very many South African companies and will continue to do in the

spirit of promoting Africa's oneness.