“We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together,” Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa when the latter visited the former in Johannesburg shortly after his inauguration for a hard-won second term in office.

“Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,” the South African president said.

The Nigerian president said that Mr Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges African countries face, including Nigeria’s and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.

“I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,” Mr Tinubu stressed, according to a statement by presidential media aide Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday.

On Thursday, Mr Ramaphosa underscored the need for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and his country. Mr Ramaphosa stated this during a private meeting with the Nigerian leader in Johannesburg.

The statement disclosed that Mr Ramaphosa thanked Mr Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.

Mr Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on June 14, following an agreement between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance to form a government of national unity.