Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally received his Letters of Credence ahead of assuming office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Fani-Kayode announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, July 7, saying the diplomatic documents were presented to him after the completion of the required agrément process.
The Letters of Credence were handed over on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Fani-Kayode said he would now proceed to South Africa to begin his diplomatic assignment.
“I shall begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, 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 said.
The former minister described the appointment as another opportunity to serve Nigeria and thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“My gratitude goes to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill.
“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this and He shall do great things. He is faithful,” he said.
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Fani-Kayode assumes office at a time when relations between Nigeria and South Africa have come under renewed strain following recent anti migrant protests in parts of South Africa.
The demonstrations, driven by groups demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, triggered attacks on African migrants, including Nigerians, forcing hundreds to return home through Federal Government evacuation flights.
The killings of Nigerian citizens during the unrest, alongside the evacuation of hundreds of returnees, prompted Abuja to strongly condemn the violence and demand justice for the victims. Nigeria also indicated it would seek compensation for citizens who abandoned businesses and properties while fleeing the attacks.
Diplomatic tensions further escalated after South African Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, suggested Nigeria should identify alleged drug dens linked to Nigerians instead of seeking compensation.
The Nigerian government described the remarks as inflammatory and unacceptable, insisting that South Africa has a responsibility under international law to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals legally residing in the country.
Against this backdrop, Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic assignment is expected to include efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa and support ongoing engagements between both governments aimed at easing tensions and addressing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens.