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The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
President Vila Nova is scheduled to take the oath of office on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé.
Matawalle’s presence at the ceremony, according to the Ministry of Defence, underscores Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to democracy, good governance and peace across the Gulf of Guinea region.
The São Toméan president emerged victorious in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026, securing another five-year mandate. 
Speaking on Nigeria’s participation in the inauguration, Matawalle said the country’s attendance reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan leadership and engage in high-level discussions on issues of mutual interest.
Key areas expected to feature in the discussions include defence cooperation, regional security and efforts to strengthen maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial diplomatic relations, with their bilateral cooperation built around shared democratic values, economic interests and common concerns over maritime security and regional stability.
Matawalle’s visit therefore provides an opportunity for both countries to further strengthen existing ties and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in defence and security.
The Minister’s visit was disclosed in a statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of Defence, on behalf of the Director, Information and Public Relations, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
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