Matawalle represents Tinubu at São Tomé president’s inauguration

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.

Vila Nova is scheduled to take the oath of office on Thursday at the National Assembly in São Tomé.

Vila Nova secured re-election in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026, paving the way for his second term in office.

The minister is expected to deliver Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan government and hold discussions with officials on areas of mutual interest.

The talks are expected to focus on defence cooperation, regional security and other issues of importance to both countries.

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning democracy, economic development and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.