Minister of state for Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom, has described South Africa as Nigeria's big brother even as he praised South African businessmen for investing in Nigeria.

A statement, signed by the Press Secretary to the minister, Mathew Haruna, said the minister made the remark while receiving South African business delegation led by the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria His Excellency kingsley Mamabolo in his office.

'The Minister who referred to South Africa as Nigeria's big brother lauded the South African Business Community for adopting the Local content principle of investment in their approach to investment in Nigerian,' the release read in part.

The release quoted the minister as saying: "Life is complementary and God in his wisdom choose to endow individuals, companies and nations differently, in certain aspects of life so that we will continue to need one another."

The minster called on the South African business men to participate in the Nigeria oil and Gas Forum between the 20th and 21st of September 2012.

'Earlier, the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Kingsley Mamabolo who led the delegation to the Ministry had said that the Business Delegation was in Nigeria to look at the possibility of working out a relationship that will lead to more improved economic climate between the two countries. He expressed his believe that progressive relationship will be of great benefit to the people of both countries and that such relationship will ultimately lead to the progress of the African continent,' the release added.

'Mr. Mamabolo was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman and Chief Executive of Ohambo ltd, a renown business catalyst in South Africa, Mr. Zweli Nkosi. Mr. Nkosi is also accountable for the hugh success of Royal Bafuken Holdings (RBH), company reputed for the second largest Platinum mines in the world. The Businessman assured that the South African approach to business investment in Nigeria will continue to be in line with the principle of non negotiable local content. He also observed the need for the South African Business Community to be adequately guided by the Ministry on their operations in Nigeria.'