Nigeria’s New High Commissioner Presents Credentials to Botswana President
Pledges Stronger Bilateral Ties
Nigeria’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the Republic of Botswana, Mr. John Shama Shaga, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
The credential presentation ceremony, held at the State House in Gaborone on July 16, marked the official commencement of Shaga’s diplomatic mission in Botswana and featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
During the audience, the Nigerian envoy conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Boko and reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen the long-standing friendship and mutually beneficial partnership between both nations.
Shaga identified trade and investment, agriculture—particularly livestock development—creative industries, financial technology, tourism and the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as priority areas for enhanced cooperation. He also called for the early implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to improve air connectivity, facilitate commercial exchanges and boost people-to-people interactions.
In his remarks, President Boko welcomed the Nigerian High Commissioner and stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving Africa’s economic integration and intra-African trade.
He expressed support for the proposed areas of collaboration, noting that both countries stand to benefit from stronger cooperation in tourism and the legal sector.
President Boko also conveyed his warm regards to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria.
Reaffirming his mandate, Shaga pledged to work closely with the Government of Botswana to further strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared economic growth and prosperity throughout his tenure.