Nigeria, Botswana Renew Diplomatic Push as Envoy Presents Credentials

Nigeria’s High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Botswana, Mr. John Shama Shaga, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, at the State House in Gaborone.

The ceremony, held on July 16, 2026, featured a Guard of Honour and officially marked the commencement of the High Commissioner’s diplomatic responsibilities in Botswana.
During the event, Shaga conveyed the warm regards of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries. He identified trade and investment, agriculture with emphasis on livestock, creative industries, fintech and technology, tourism, and the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as priority areas for deeper collaboration. He also called for the early implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to improve connectivity and boost commercial exchanges.
In his remarks, President Boko welcomed the Nigerian envoy and described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver of Africa’s economic integration. He expressed support for the proposed areas of cooperation, while highlighting the significant opportunities available in tourism and the legal sector.
The Botswana President also extended warm fraternal greetings to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria. In response, the High Commissioner reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to work closely with the Government of Botswana to deepen bilateral relations and promote shared prosperity throughout his tenure.
The statement was signed by John Shama Shaga, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Botswana.