Fani-Kayode Arrives In South Africa, Pledges To Rebuild Nigeria Ties

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has arrived in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, pledging to strengthen bilateral relations and protect the interests of Nigerians living in the country.

Fani-Kayode arrived at O. R. Tambo International Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2026, where he was received by senior officials of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community.

The ambassador, who is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, said his priority was to rebuild relations between Nigeria and South Africa through dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.

Speaking with journalists on arrival, he said his mission, entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu, would focus on restoring friendship between the two countries while safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

He stressed that Nigeria and South Africa, regarded as two of Africa’s largest economies, must work together to advance their shared interests and strengthen cooperation across different sectors.

Fani-Kayode’s arrival comes amid concerns over challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans, highlighting the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.

The envoy is expected to engage relevant South African authorities on issues affecting Nigerians in the country, including their protection, welfare and relations with host communities.

His diplomatic agenda is also expected to cover economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, people-to-people relations and broader collaboration aimed at promoting regional stability and African unity.

A strong advocate of Pan-Africanism, Fani-Kayode has emphasised the importance of African countries working together to address common challenges, protect their citizens and pursue shared economic and political interests.

His arrival was marked by a reception attended by members of the Nigerian community, who welcomed him with songs and cultural displays.

Among the dignitaries present were Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg; and Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Representatives of several Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.

They included the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg and the National Association of Nigerian Students in South Africa.

Other groups represented included the Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg, 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.

As he begins his assignment, expectations will centre on how the new envoy translates his pledge to rebuild bilateral relations into concrete diplomatic engagements, stronger economic partnerships and improved protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.