President Muhammadu Buhari will on Wednesday embark on a three -day visit to South Africa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians living in that country .
The visit is at the instance of the South African president , Cyril Ramaphosa , following xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa by its citizens.
Buhari would be accompanied by three governors, seven cabinet Ministers and three other members of his government .
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President ( Media & Publicity) , Garba Shehu , said finding common grounds for building a harmonious relationship would be part of the agenda .
The statement reads , “ President Muhammadu Buhari departs Abuja Wednesday on a three -day State Visit to the Republic of South Africa , following an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa , to discuss welfare of Nigerians , and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with their hosts .
“ The visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks , the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by Special Envoys of Presidents Buhari and Ramaphosa .
“ While in South Africa, the Nigerian leader will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the country , with a view to sharing in their experiences and reassuring them of Nigerian government ’s commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co -existence .
“ President Buhari and his host will preside over the South Africa/ Nigeria Bi- National Commission , during which a progress report will be presented . At the end of the meeting , both leaders will sign a joint communiqué .
“ The President and his delegation including Nigerian business representatives will also participate at a South Africa- Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.
“ President Buhari will be accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State ; Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State ; and governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State.
“ Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama ; Minister of Defence , Maj . Gen . Bashir Magashi ( retd ); Minister of Power , Eng . Saleh Mamman ; Minister of Interior , Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch . Olamilekan Adegbite ; Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi ; and Minister of State , Industry , Trade and Investment, Amb . Mariam Katagum .
“ Also on the trip are National Security Adviser , Maj . Gen . Babagana Monguno ( retd ); Director – General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb . Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Chairman / CEO Nigeria Diaspora Commission , Hon . Abike Dabiri -Erewa . The President will return to Abuja on Friday .
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