ABUJA - A ceremony to swear in Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) as the president of Nigeria commenced in the Eagle's Square of the capital city Abuja on Sunday morning.

Jonathan, 54, will take the oath of office before Chief Justice Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu amid tight security.

Nnamadi Sambo is also expected to be sworn in as vice president alongside Jonathan.

Jonathan took over the presidency after his predecessor Umaru Yar A'dua died last year, before the presidential election.

Jonathan is a southerner from the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

A Xinhua reporter at the venue of the event witnessed military and police helicopters flying over the  inauguration ground.

Chinese Railway Minister Sheng Guangzu is attending the inaugural ceremony as the special envoy of President Hu Jintao.

At least 12 African heads of state and government are attending the swearing-in ceremony of Jonathan and Nnamadi Sambo as Nigeria's president and vice president.