The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe (MP), visited Abuja in Nigeria, for discussions with his Nigerian counterpart, Chief Timipre Sylva - Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. Minister Mantashe noted that, “this was an important and successful visit that will impact positively on investment between our countries, and also assist our government's commitment to ensure security of energy in South Africa.”
The visit sought to take advantage of, and strengthen the human and political and economic relationships between our countries. Our government recognise the significance of the relationship and the potential impact it could bear on the advancement of our countries, respectively, and the continent as a whole.
Among the concrete expressions of the relationship is the need for both countries to trade and to invest in each other’s economies, by tapping into their existing capacities and capabilities. Consequently, discussions focused on the oil and gas sectors and the extent to which these can benefit South Africa and Nigeria. Already, Nigeria is a substantial supplier of crude oil to South Africa.
Minister Mantashe also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari. The Minister conveyed to His Excellency, President Buhari, greetings and best wishes from the President of South Africa, His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa.
