The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has arrived in São Tomé to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova.
President Vila Nova will be sworn in for a second five-year term on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026 at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional), São Tomé.
Dr. Matawalle’s representation 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, a statement by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer noted.
President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova emerged victorious in the Presidential Election held on Saturday, 19th July, 2026.
The Minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message and hold discussions with the São Toméan leadership on areas of mutual interest, including defence cooperation and regional security.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe continue to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations anchored on shared values of democracy, economic cooperation, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
