By Esther Yakubu
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad 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.
Vila Nova is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé.
Matawalle’s visit underscores Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting democracy, good governance and peace in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Vila Nova emerged victorious in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026.
The minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message and engage the São Toméan leadership on areas of mutual interest, particularly defence cooperation and regional security.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial diplomatic relations, with cooperation focused on democracy, economic development and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
