By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA) as a strategic platform for regional cooperation, maritime security and sustainable resource management.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance on Monday while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
The delegation, led by the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) and Chairman of the Authority, Mr. Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim, briefed the Minister on the Authority’s mandate, governance structure and ongoing activities. The team also sought the Ministry’s continued policy guidance and strategic support in advancing the objectives of the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone.
According to the delegation, the Authority was established under a bilateral treaty between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe to oversee the joint exploration, management and development of petroleum and other natural resources within the Joint Development Zone in the Gulf of Guinea.
The delegation also outlined the governance framework of the Authority, highlighting the Joint Ministerial Council as the highest policy-making body responsible for overseeing the bilateral arrangement.
In his remarks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the Authority for its efforts in deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Joint Development Authority as a key instrument for promoting shared economic prosperity and regional integration.
He assured the delegation of the Ministry’s continued support in facilitating effective coordination among relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, while encouraging sustained engagement with the Ministry on policy, diplomatic and intergovernmental issues relating to the Joint Development Zone.
The meeting ended with both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring the effective implementation of the treaty governing the Joint Development Zone for the mutual benefit of both countries.
