Fani-Kayode Formally Assumes Duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally assumed diplomatic duties following the presentation of copies of his Letters of Credence to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Fani-Kayode announced the development on Saturday, saying he presented the documents on Friday, October 30, to Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General of Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol at DIRCO.

He described the presentation as an important diplomatic milestone, marking the commencement of his functions as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

Following the presentation, the envoy also held a meeting with Ambassador Seboga, another Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, as part of his initial engagements with senior South African government officials.

The presentation of copies of the Letters of Credence precedes the ceremonial submission of the original documents to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, scheduled to take place in the coming days.

Under a revised diplomatic procedure announced by the South African government, a head of mission is considered to have assumed official functions once copies of the Letters of Credence have been submitted to the Chief of State Protocol. The original documents are subsequently presented to the country's President during a formal credentials ceremony.

Fani-Kayode's appointment also covers concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

He was initially designated as Nigeria's envoy to Germany before being reassigned to South Africa following a request for a change of posting.

The former minister arrived in Johannesburg on October 25 to begin his diplomatic assignment, where he was received by Nigerian mission officials and members of the Nigerian community.

He has pledged to strengthen relations between Nigeria and South Africa, promote economic cooperation and protect the interests of Nigerians living in the country.

His assignment comes amid concerns over passport processing delays, xenophobic attacks and challenges affecting Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa.

The Nigerian Union South Africa has urged the new envoy to prioritise these issues through stronger engagement with South African authorities and improved support for Nigerians in the country.

Fani-Kayode previously served as Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and has held other political and public service positions.