Nigeria Deepens Ties with São Tomé as Matawalle Represents Tinubu at Inauguration
São Tomé / Abuja — September 5, 2026 — Nigeria has moved to strengthen its longstanding partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe, as Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
The ceremony, held at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé, marked Vila Nova’s return to office after securing 55.88 percent of the votes in the first-round presidential election on July 19, 2026. Several African and European leaders and dignitaries attended the event.
Tinubu’s Message of Friendship and Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria, Matawalle delivered a congratulatory message that highlighted the “historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation” between the two countries.
He commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent election that strengthened democratic institutions.
In a letter presented to the newly inaugurated president, Tinubu wrote: “On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I warmly congratulate you on your re-election… Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries.
I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest.”
Focus on Maritime Security and the Joint Development Zone
Matawalle emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to re-establish and strengthen closer ties for mutual benefit, particularly in the strategically important Gulf of Guinea.
He underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting peace, security and development in the region.
The Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), established under a 2001 treaty covering more than 34,000 square kilometres of overlapping maritime territory, remains a central pillar of bilateral economic cooperation.
Under the arrangement, Nigeria holds a 60 per cent share and São Tomé and Príncipe 40 percent of resources.
Recent efforts have sought to revive investor interest in the zone after years of limited activity.
Broader Regional Significance
Nigeria’s high-level representation at the inauguration signals continued engagement with its island neighbour at a time when maritime security, energy exploration and regional stability remain priorities across the Gulf of Guinea.
Officials on both sides view enhanced collaboration as essential for tackling shared challenges and unlocking economic opportunities in trade, investment and resource development.
The Presidency’s official X account highlighted the occasion with the message “Nigeria Strengthens Ties with São Tomé and Príncipe,” accompanied by images from the ceremony showing Matawalle engaging with President Vila Nova and other dignitaries.
As both nations look ahead, the renewed diplomatic push is expected to translate into practical follow-up on the JDZ, maritime security cooperation and expanded commercial links — reinforcing a partnership rooted in geography, history and shared interests in a stable and prosperous Gulf of Guinea.
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