This may sound like an April-fool joke but it is true that President Tinubu departed France for South Africa this Monday.
This makes it his 31st trip outside Nigeria since assuming office about 17 months ago. However, this is happening at a time the country grinds through a very painful economic regime when Nigerians grapple with cost of living crisis occasioned by a rash of harsh economic reforms.
While in South Africa, President Bola Tinubu will co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The discussions, set to take place on December 3, will focus on a range of issues, including political, trade, and security concerns, building on previous meetings between the two leaders.
The session will also involve a ministerial meeting on December 2.
The two presidents are expected to review progress since the last BNC in 2021, and the discussions will cover areas such as banking, defense, manufacturing, and energy.
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This year’s session marks the 25th anniversary of the commission, founded to strengthen ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
The meeting will include the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.
Tinubu’s delegation will include key government figures, and this visit to South Africa will be his second trip there in 2024. Since taking office, President Tinubu has made 33 international trips, totaling over 135 days abroad.
