Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has identified the protection of Nigerians living in the country and the restoration of cordial diplomatic ties between Abuja and Pretoria as key priorities of his new assignment.
Fani-Kayode stated this on Sunday upon his arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic duties.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Lizzy Okoji, the ambassador’s media assistant, the former aviation minister said his mission was to strengthen bilateral relations, safeguard Nigeria’s interests and promote cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Fani-Kayode, who is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, said, “My primary focus in carrying out the diplomatic mission entrusted to me by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, while protecting the interests of Nigerians living in the country.”
He emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that their positions as Africa’s largest economies placed them in a strong position to promote common interests.
According to him, improved bilateral relations would support economic growth, strengthen regional stability and advance unity across the continent.
His appointment comes against the backdrop of concerns over tensions and other challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans. His diplomatic mission is therefore expected to focus on dialogue, mutual understanding and measures to address issues affecting Nigerians in the country.
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Fani-Kayode is also expected to work with South African authorities to protect Nigerian citizens, encourage peaceful coexistence and explore opportunities for stronger economic and cultural partnerships. His responsibilities include deepening diplomatic ties and promoting closer people-to-people relations.
The statement added that members of the Nigerian community in South Africa welcomed the high commissioner at the airport with songs, cultural performances and messages of support.
Those present included former Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi; Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche; and Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Representatives of Nigerian community groups, professional associations, cultural organisations, religious bodies, student unions and political groups also attended the reception.
Among the organisations represented were the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg, National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa and Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg.
Other groups included the All Progressives Congress in South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa, Yoruba Leaders Council, Igbo Union South Africa, Ohanaeze South Africa, Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, Arewa Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa.
The reception reflected the involvement of Nigerians residing in South Africa in the new diplomatic mission, particularly as Fani-Kayode prepares to engage the host country’s authorities on issues affecting the community.
Beyond South Africa, the high commissioner will also oversee Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Lesotho and Eswatini as part of his concurrent accreditation to the two southern African kingdoms.