The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, regional stability and stronger bilateral relations across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, stated this as he arrived in São Tomé to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the presidential inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova.
A statement by the Ministry of Defence said the president is scheduled to be sworn in for a second five-year term on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly, Assembleia Nacional, in São Tomé.
The Minister’s representation reflects Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to democracy, good governance and peace in the Gulf of Guinea.
Vila Nova emerged victorious in the presidential election held on Saturday, July 19, 2026, securing a second term in office.
Matawalle is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message at the inauguration and engage with the São Toméan leadership on areas of mutual interest, including defence cooperation and regional security.
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The Minister’s visit also places Nigeria’s defence engagement with São Tomé and Príncipe within the wider regional security environment of the Gulf of Guinea, where maritime security and stability remain shared interests between the two countries.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe maintain cordial diplomatic relations anchored on shared values of democracy, economic cooperation and maritime security, with the latest high-level representation further reflecting Nigeria’s continued engagement with the island nation.
