The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on Monday, 27 July 2026, received in audience a delegation of the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
The delegation, led by Mr. Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim, Executive Director (Finance and Administration), who is also the Chairman of the Authority, briefed the Honourable Minister on the mandate, governance structure and activities of the Joint Development Authority. The delegation 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.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the Authority’s role as the bi-national institution established under the bilateral treaty between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe to coordinate the joint exploration, management and development of petroleum and other natural resources within the Joint Development Zone in the Gulf of Guinea.
The delegation further outlined the governance framework of the Authority, including the role of the Joint Ministerial Council as the highest policy-making organ of the bilateral arrangement.
In his remarks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye welcomed the delegation and commended the Authority for its commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Joint Development Authority as an important instrument for regional cooperation, maritime security, sustainable resource management and shared economic prosperity.
The Honourable Minister of State 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 matters relating to the Joint Development Zone.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the effective implementation of the bilateral treaty governing the Joint Development Zone for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
