Fani-Kayode Receives Letter of Credence as Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his letter of credence to serve as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The documents were presented on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, marking the formal commencement of the veteran politician's diplomatic assignment.

Announcing the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode described the appointment as a privilege and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.

"Honoured to have received my letters of credence to serve as the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini yesterday," he wrote.

The former minister said he would now proceed to his duty post, where he is expected to formally present his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a diplomatic requirement before assuming full responsibilities.

"I shall begin the process of reporting to my duty post, presenting my letter of credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead," he stated.

Fani-Kayode also reflected on his return to public service, noting that the appointment came almost exactly 20 years after he served as Nigeria's Minister of Aviation.

He thanked God for the opportunity to serve the country again and sought the prayers and support of Nigerians.

"I thank God for the opportunity to serve my nation once again after being appointed as Minister of Aviation 20 years ago almost to the day. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence he has reposed in me, and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill," he added.

Fani-Kayode was initially nominated as Nigeria's ambassador to Germany before President Tinubu approved his redeployment to South Africa in May.

His appointment comes at a critical period in Nigeria-South Africa relations, with both countries seeking deeper cooperation in trade, investment, security, regional diplomacy and the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa, amid recurring concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.