President Bola Tinubu has urged for stronger economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa during a bilateral discussion with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in New York City before the United Nations General Assembly. Tinubu emphasized that Africa should have a united stance on the allocation of funds by International Development Finance Institutions to meet the specific needs of developing democracies on the continent. He stressed the importance of cooperation among African nations, stating that Africa possesses the necessary human and natural resources for development.

Tinubu referenced the Marshall Plan after World War II and questioned why similar initiatives haven't been present for Africa. He emphasized the need for international financial institutions to undergo reform, with a focus on investment and cooperation rather than economic exploitation. He also highlighted potential collaborations between South African mining industries and Nigerian solid minerals development, as well as the success of South African businesses in Nigerian telecommunications.

President Ramaphosa praised Tinubu's swift implementation of economic reforms and expressed a desire to deepen economic relations, especially in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. He emphasized the historical impact of Nigeria and South Africa working together on global issues and invited Tinubu to visit South Africa to further strengthen economic ties and the broader relationship between the two countries.

Tinubu accepted the invitation, emphasizing that a collaborative Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa working in synergy, holds immense potential to make a significant global impact and benefit the continent's one billion people through its abundant human and natural resources.