The Nigerian Government has expressed its commitment to continually strengthening the Nigeria–Sao Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA) as a key platform for regional cooperation, maritime security, and sustainable resource management.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, according to a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the Authority for its efforts in promoting stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sao Tomé and Príncipe.
“The Joint Development Authority is an important mechanism for fostering regional cooperation, enhancing maritime security, ensuring sustainable management of shared natural resources and promoting mutual economic prosperity,” he said.
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The Minister assured the delegation of the Ministry’s continued support in facilitating effective coordination among relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, encouraging sustained engagement with the Ministry on policy, diplomatic and intergovernmental issues relating to the Joint Development Zone.
Earlier, the delegation, led by the Chairman of the Authority and Executive Director (Finance and Administration), Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim, briefed the Minister on the mandate, governance structure, and ongoing activities of the bi-national institution.
The delegation sought the Ministry’s continued policy guidance and strategic support in advancing the objectives of the Nigeria–Sao Tomé and Principe Joint Development Zone.
It explained that the Authority was established under the bilateral treaty between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé and Príncipe to coordinate the joint exploration, management and development of petroleum and other natural resources within the Joint Development Zone in the Gulf of Guinea.
It also outlined the Authority’s governance framework, highlighting the Joint Ministerial Council as the highest policy-making body overseeing the bilateral arrangement.
