Welfare of Nigerians tops agenda, as Buhari visits South Africa

Welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa is expected to top agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s engagements in the country during his three-day official visit which commences on Wednesday.

The President is expected to depart Abuja tomorrow on a three-day State Visit to the Republic of South Africa, following an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

A statement by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the President use the visit to discuss welfare of Nigerians, and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with their hosts.

Relationships between Nigeria and South Africa has been largely affected by the years of xenophobic attacks.

The visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks, which forced the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by Special Envoys of Presidents Buhari and Ramaphosa.

While in South Africa, the Nigerian leader is also expected to engage Nigerians in town hall meetings, with a view to sharing in their experiences and reassuring them of Nigerian government’s commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co-existence.
President Buhari and his host will preside over the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission, during which a progress report will be presented.

At the end of the meeting, both leaders will sign a joint communiqué.
The President and his delegation including Nigerian business representatives will also participate at a South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.