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Nigeria and South Africa Boost Economic Ties with New Trade and Investment Council

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Nigeria and South Africa have officially launched the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and foster growth between the two prominent African nations.

This development, announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, signals a new era of partnership aimed at boosting trade and investment across both countries.

During the roundtable, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reassured the gathering of business leaders, government officials, and trade stakeholders that Nigeria is fully open for business.

He emphasized that the country is committed to providing a stable environment, bolstered by security and the rule of law, where businesses can thrive.

His remarks were aimed at addressing concerns that may be deterring South African investors from expanding their businesses and franchises in Nigeria.

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Tinubu also called for South Africa to reciprocate, urging the country to create an environment that allows Nigerian companies to flourish within its borders.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving its investment climate, noting that the government is working tirelessly to remove obstacles and facilitate the growth of businesses.

He also highlighted the ongoing economic reforms that are already starting to bear fruit.

These reforms, he said, are designed to serve the people of Nigeria and contribute to Africa’s overall prosperity.

“Nigeria is undergoing stringent economic reforms that will serve our people and bring prosperity to the continent,” Tinubu remarked.

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He further emphasized that Nigeria offers one of the best investment opportunities in the world, with returns that are unmatched elsewhere.

The focus of the meeting was on the operationalization of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council, which was first introduced during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Nigeria in 2021.

The council was established to address critical trade and investment challenges, align policies between the two nations, and create a favorable environment for business growth.

Ramaphosa also recognized the strategic importance of both countries in their respective regions and the need to diversify their trade relations. While South Africa has a large trade deficit with Nigeria—largely due to oil and gas imports—both leaders acknowledged the necessity to move beyond a dependency on these industries.

They discussed the importance of diversifying trade, aiming to create a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

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“We are encouraged by the presence of South African companies in Nigeria, just as we welcome Nigerian companies in South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.

However, he also acknowledged that there are still challenges in the business environments of both countries that hinder the expansion of investment and sometimes complicate the operations of companies.


 

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Chimamanda Adichie Tells Women not to Rush Marriage but Choose Right

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Famous Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has advised young women to be intentional when choosing who they marry.

Speaking at the Dream Count event, Adichie pointed out how much a life partner can influence a woman’s journey. She urged women not to rush into marriage out of pressure or desperation, adding that choosing the wrong person can affect one’s life for years.

She also encouraged women to find fulfilment in themselves, no matter their passion or path. “It’s really important for a woman to have her own thing, something that brings her fulfilment, no matter what it is,” Adichie said.

She continued, “Be careful who you choose. Sometimes, deep down, you know the person you’re with isn’t good for you, but because you’re eager to settle down, you ignore the signs. Don’t settle. The person you marry plays a huge role in how your life turns out. If you choose someone who is kind and supportive, it changes everything. There are good men out there.”


 

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Amaechi Says Buhari Performed Better Than Tinubu

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, believes that despite his shortcomings, former President Muhammadu Buhari performed better than the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Amaechi admitted Buhari didn’t achieve everything he set out to do, but insisted that things were still better under his leadership compared to now. “Buhari will be the first to tell you he didn’t accomplish all his plans, but by every standard, his government outperformed this one,” Amaechi said.

The former Rivers State governor pointed to areas like security and the independence of institutions, especially the electoral commission, as key areas where Buhari did better. “In terms of security, Buhari placed more focus there. When it comes to the independence of INEC, there was far more freedom under Buhari than we’re seeing now,” he added.

Amaechi also criticised the current state of politics, claiming that new political parties can’t even get registered because of interference from government officials. He made it clear that his comments are not personal, saying he would have been the first to commend President Tinubu if things were going well.


 

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Amaechi Says It’s Time for a Southern President to Rule Nigeriar

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Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has maintained that Nigeria’s next president should come from the South. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Amaechi stressed that while power should shift to the South, competence and character must be the key factors in choosing leaders, not just regional sentiment.

He pointed out that the coming elections won’t just be about political parties but will be a fight between everyday Nigerians and the political class. In his words, “Nigeria belongs to everyone. We can’t keep running a system where one region holds all the power and others are sidelined. There are capable leaders in the South. It’s time to restore balance and deliver real results.”

Amaechi added that the elections should not be based on blind party loyalty, saying, “This is about Nigerians taking a stand against the political elite. If we truly want change, now is the time to act.” He believes the South is prepared to take the lead, promising a platform that gives every Nigerian a voice and renewed hope.


 

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