Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced that Nigeria is set to revive its joint commissions with several Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
Speaking at the SADC Day celebration in Abuja, Tuggar—represented by Nonyelum Aforkelu—said Nigeria is working to reactivate bilateral and permanent joint commissions with South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
“The joint commission has remained a veritable instrument in managing, promoting, and deepening our relations. The Angola joint commission will be in a few days, and hopefully, within this year or the first quarter of next year, we will engage with Zimbabwe and Botswana,” he stated.
He stressed the need for collective solutions to borderless challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and economic pressures, reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding support for Southern Africa since the liberation struggles.
Zimbabwe’s envoy to Nigeria and SADC Chairperson, Maxwell Ranga, hailed Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting liberation movements in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, noting that its financial, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts “cemented Nigeria’s role as a Pan-African force and ally in ending apartheid and colonialism.”
He added that Nigeria’s sacrifices continue to shape its foreign policy and strengthen ties with SADC.
Other envoys highlighted investment opportunities, trade, and cultural exchanges as part of the bloc’s push for deeper integration.
