M. Sourou Migan Apithy, a member of Dahomey's three-man Presidential Commission, arrived in Lagos on Monday (July 27) for a surprise visit which included talks with the Nigerian head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

M. Apithy met General Gowon for talks early in the evening and attended a dinner given in his honour by General Gowon, at the Dodan Barracks residence of the Nigerian head of State.

M. Apithy delivered to General Gowon, a letter from Dahomey President, Hubert Maga. Neither the contents of the letter nor the subject of the talks were disclosed, and no reason for M. Apithy's visit was given.

Last month, the Presidential Commission, led by President Hubert Maga, made a one-day visit to Lagos for talks on improving Nigerian-Dahomey relations, which were strained during Nigeria's civil war. M. Apithy's visit is thought to be a further step in this direction.

The three-man Presidential Commission was appointed in Dahomey after an abortive election to support a Presidential following a series of coups and counter-coups. Dahomey has suffered more coup d'etats than any other African nation.