– President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent diplomatic missions have continued to yield fruitful results as the Nigerian leader and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed new Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) between the two country.
Phenomenal reports that a review of activities in the country from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, showed that the MOUs were signed during bilateral meeting between Buhari and Ramaphosa, in the Presidential Villa Abuja, on Dec. 1.
The two African leaders also inaugurated the Nigeria-South Africa Youth Dialogue for Peace and Security, Youth Development and Political Participation.
Speaking at the event, the president disclosed that existing MOUs were also reviewed for the progress and prosperity of citizens of both countries.
“Despite the scare generated by the new COVID-19 variant, we have been able to hold successful meetings, while observing strict COVID-19 protocols, through fraternal cooperation and understanding,’’ the Nigerian leader said at a media briefing.
Buhari urged stronger emphasis on people-to-people relations between South Africa and Nigeria to evolve a bond that would be of benefit to both countries and the African continent.
The Nigerian leader reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving a “special relationship’’ with South Africa, which would translate into gains for the continent, particularly in education, science, trade and investment, tourism and security.
Phenomenal reports that the week also witnessed the announcement of resumption of passenger operations between Dubai and Nigeria from Dec. 5, offering customers enhanced connectivity to and through Dubai by the Emirate Airline after about 10 months flight suspension.
Phenomenal observed that the lifting of the flight suspension by the airline coincided with President Buhari’s official visit to United Arab Emirates on Dec. 1.
According to the airline, Abuja and Lagos will be served with daily flights from Dec. 5, following the decision of the UAE to remove Nigeria from those countries that their passenger would undergo Rapid PCR test four hours before boarding their flight to Dubai.
In response to this development, Nigeria had equally lifted the ban placed on Emirate airline from flying into Nigeria for abiding by the country’s COVID-19 protocol.
While in Dubai, Buhari attended Nigeria Day and participated in trade and investment forum at Dubai Expo 2020 on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Speaking at the events, Buhari stressed the need for world leaders to work together and reinforce partnerships to limit the catastrophic consequences of the global surge in cases of COVID-19.
The Nigerian leader also assured captains of industry and entrepreneurs, who had shown interest and commitment to further enhance trade and investment relations with Nigeria.
He said that his administration would continue to work with them to improve the business climate, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) comes into full effect.
According to him, Nigeria remains the most viable and attractive investment destination in Africa, adding that the country is on the path of becoming the continent’s leading industrial and trading nation.
‘‘Our location, our natural resources, our population, and our regulations are there for all to see. Nigeria is on its way to becoming a leading industrial and trading nation in Africa.
‘‘To achieve this, our government focused on policies, projects and programmes that support private sector investors.
‘‘We introduced numerous fiscal incentives and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the viability of investments.
‘‘Despite the adverse global economic environment of recent years, Nigeria’s investment environment has greatly improved both at the national and sub-national levels,’’ he said.
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The Nigerian leader had earlier on Nov. 30, expressed solidarity with Nigerian women as they observe 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, 2021.
The president expressed the solidarity when he received Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, who visited him at the State House, Abuja.
“Women are the bedrock of the society and are largely responsible for stabilising the home front.
“My faith in the capability of Nigerian women remains steadfast as exemplified by the key positions they occupy in the present administration.
“I assure you that I will always be here for you and you can count on my support in your activities,’’ he said.
The minister had briefed the president
