By Uche Mbah
Nigeria has agreed with the South African government on compulsory issuance of Visas by bot countries to Business men, Academics and frequent travelers, ending speculations on the major benefits of the trip of president Muhammadu Buhari to Johansbourg.
There has been outcry on the essence of President Buhari going to South Africa after the Xenophobic Attacks. Critics of the government insist that the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, ought to have come to Nigeria for diplomatic fence mending. However, Ramaphosa is said to have officially apologized for the attacks in South Africa.
Buhari’s visit coincides with the the bi-national commission of Nigeria and South Africa, when the two countries jaw-jaw on issues of mutual interests. Previously the presidents of both countries are not part of such discussions but, due to issues arriving from the Xenophobic attacks, the two presidents jointly presided over the commission for the first time.
According to Garba Shehu, the Presidential spokesperson, the decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations.
The full statement reads:
“NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO ISSUE 10-YEAR VISA TO BUSINESSMEN, ACADEMICS
Following the successful conclusion of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which was elevated to the level of heads of state, both countries have agreed on issuing 10-year visas to businessmen, academics and frequent travelers.
The agreement was reached in a meeting co-chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, which was the first time both presidents will preside since the Bi-National Commission was elevated.
The decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations.
At the meeting held at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security.
Both countries also agreed to re-establish the consular forum, which is a structured arrangement where both governments meet regularly, at least twice in a year, to discuss welfare of citizens.
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed the minutes of the 9th session of Bi-National Commission.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)”.
Earlier, President Buhari had told Nigerians in South Africa to act like Romans when in Rome, and that they should use their expertise to come back home to help develop Nigeria-an admonition that met with mixed reactions among Nigerians on Social media.
