Nigeria and Botswana have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, to Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.
The credential presentation ceremony, held at the State House in Gaborone on Thursday, July 16, 2026, officially marked the commencement of Ambassador Shaga’s diplomatic assignment in Botswana. The event featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Shaga conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Boko and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the longstanding friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.
The envoy identified key areas for enhanced collaboration, including trade and investment, agriculture with emphasis on livestock development, the creative industry, financial technology, tourism, and the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He also called for the early implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to improve air connectivity and facilitate increased commercial exchanges between the two nations.
In his response, President Boko congratulated Ambassador Shaga on his appointment and requested that his warm fraternal greetings be conveyed to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria.
The Botswana leader stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for Africa’s economic integration and expressed support for the proposed areas of cooperation. He also highlighted the vast opportunities for collaboration in the tourism and legal sectors.
Ambassador Shaga reiterated Nigeria’s determination to work closely with the Government of Botswana throughout his tenure to deepen bilateral relations and advance shared prosperity between both countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the engagement reflected Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic partnerships across Africa.
