South Africa’s Consul General in Lagos, Dr. Bobby Moroe, has said that in recent years, there has been a slow withdrawal of some South African businesses in Nigeria, especially in the retail sector. Speaking at the South Africa-Nigeria Trade and Investment Roundtable as part of activities to mark the inaugural South Africa Week, Moroe noted that there are approximately 120 South African businesses in Nigeria, while fewer than 10 registered Nigerian companies operate in South Africa, raising questions about the disparity.
Moroe suggested that one reason for this may be related to visas, which he said was a topical issue in his day-to-day discussions. He added that Nigerian businessmen and scholars could get up to a 10-year visa for their categories, and that his government is committed to facilitating the movement of people from Nigeria to South Africa and vice versa.
The South African Consulate organised South Africa Week to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the country’s democracy and 29 years of formal diplomatic relations with Nigeria. Moroe said the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria would be revitalised when custodians of bilateral relations start telling “their own stories.”
Nyameko Goso, chief director, West Africa, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa, said the importance of both countries’ relationship was rooted in the total support received from Nigeria in South Africa’s struggle for freedom. Moroe emphasised that both countries have no choice but to work together to ensure that the objectives set through the agenda 2063 are achieved. He also emphasised that South Africa is open for business, investment and tourism.
