Media Statement
27 February 2019
President Ramaphosa congratulates President Buhari on his re-election
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated his Nigerian counterpart, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, following his successful re-election to the position of President of the Republic of Nigeria as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on 23 February 2019, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Nigeria noted that: “Overall, the [Nigerian election] process was largely peaceful and orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework.” President Ramaphosa said the Nigerian people should be commended both for their patience following the postponement of the election date by a week and the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the election process.
South Africa and Nigeria enjoy good political, economic and social relations formally established in 1994, immediately after South Africa’s first democratic elections. The two countries have thus far signed 34 bilateral agreements covering various areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, policing, immigration, taxation, science and technology, health, tourism, environment and energy.
President Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to Nigeria in July 2018. During the visit, President Ramaphosa and President Buhari held fruitful bilateral talks and recommitted their two government to deepening cooperation at the bilateral, continental and multilateral levels.
In his congratulatory message, President Ramaphosa expressed his commitment to working closely with President Buhari’s government to enhance the good bilateral relations which exist between South Africa and Nigeria, paying particular focus on the strengthening of economic cooperation.
Enquiries: Khusela Diko, Cell: 072 854 5707
Issued by: The Presidency