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The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in the areas of maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.

The commitment was conveyed by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the inauguration of São Tomé and Príncipe’s President, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, for a second five-year term.

Matawalle, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu at the ceremony, congratulated President Vila Nova on his re-election and commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.

“Your victory reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Nigeria commends the Government, the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties, and the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for strengthening democratic institutions in your country,” Matawalle said.

President Tinubu, in a message delivered by the minister, stressed the importance Nigeria attaches to its longstanding relationship with the island nation and called for deeper cooperation in areas of strategic importance to both countries.

” Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” the President said.

The Joint Development Zone, which is jointly managed by Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, remains an important framework for cooperation between the two countries in the exploration and development of natural resources in the Gulf of Guinea.

Matawalle also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development across the Gulf of Guinea, stressing the need for stronger regional partnerships to address maritime security challenges.

He said Nigeria was ready to re-establish and deepen closer relations with São Tomé and Príncipe for the mutual benefit of both countries.

“His Excellency President Tinubu’s participation through representation reflects the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe,” the Minister said.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Parliament Building in São Tomé, attracted several African and European leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

Among those in attendance were the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso; President of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema; Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvinda Levy; Angola’s Foreign Minister, Téte António, who represented the Angolan Head of State; and Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch.

Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on maritime security and the JDZ comes against the backdrop of the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea to regional trade, energy security and economic development.

The Federal Government’s position signals its intention to further strengthen diplomatic, economic and security cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe while advancing shared interests in the Gulf of Guinea.