President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja today on a three-day State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.
This sequel to an invitation extended to him by President Cyril Ramaphosa, of South Africa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians, and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with both countries.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that the visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks, the killing of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by Special Envoys of Presidents Buhari and Ramaphosa.
Shehu said that while in South Africa, Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the country, 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.
Shehu also said that Buhari and his host will preside over the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission, during which a progress report will be presented, adding that at the end of the meeting, both leaders will sign a joint communiqué.
He further said that the President and his delegation including Nigerian business representatives will also participate at a South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.
The President will be accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (retd); Power, Eng. Saleh Mamman and that of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
Others include; the ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite; Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (retd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Chairman/CEO Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The President is expected to return to Abuja on Friday
