GABORONE — Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, has officially commenced diplomatic duties after presenting his Letters of Credence to President Duma Gideon Boko.
The ceremony, held at the State House in Gaborone on July 16, marked the formal start of Shaga’s tenure, complete with a Guard of Honour.
Details of the event were contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja and signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
During the ceremony, the envoy conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Botswana.
“Nigeria remains committed to fostering enduring friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries,” Shaga said.
He identified key areas for collaboration, including trade and investment, agriculture—particularly livestock—creative industries, fintech, tourism and MSME development, while also calling for the activation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to boost connectivity and commerce.
In his remarks, President Boko congratulated the envoy on his appointment and extended warm greetings to President Tinubu and Nigerians.
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as critical to Africa’s economic integration and expressed support for expanded cooperation, especially in tourism and the legal sector.
The development underscores renewed efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic ties and promote economic cooperation within the African continent.
