The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
According to an official statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, for the Director, Information and Public Relations, Matawalle’s visit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, while promoting democracy, good governance, peace and regional security in the Gulf of Guinea.
President Vila Nova is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional), following his victory in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026.
Matawalle is expected to convey President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan leader and engage the country’s leadership on areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on defence cooperation and regional security.
The Federal Government’s participation in the inauguration also underscores Nigeria’s strategic interest in maintaining stability across the Gulf of Guinea, particularly through strengthened cooperation on maritime security and other shared security concerns.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have continued to maintain cordial diplomatic relations, anchored on shared democratic values, economic cooperation and efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The visit is therefore expected to further consolidate existing bilateral ties and reinforce Nigeria’s role in advancing peace and stability within the region.
