Fani-Kayode Assumes Diplomatic Role, Pledges to Restore Nigeria-South Africa Relations

Nigeria’s newly accredited High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to rebuild diplomatic relations between Abuja and Pretoria, describing the restoration of the historic friendship between both countries as a key priority of his assignment.

Fani-Kayode gave the assurance on Friday, November 13, 2026, when he presented his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

The envoy, who is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to Ramaphosa and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

Recalling Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, Fani-Kayode said the relationship between the two countries was built on years of solidarity, sacrifice and mutual support.

“Nigeria and South Africa have a long history of fraternity and friendship. We fought together, we stood by you, and we gave our blood and our treasure for you during your dark days,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria and South Africa remained important trading partners on the continent, stressing that their longstanding relationship must be strengthened for the benefit of their citizens and Africa as a whole.

“Part of my job here is to reset that relationship, to come and build that bridge, and to ensure that whatever concerns we have, we can work them out and move forward together,” the High Commissioner said.

Fani-Kayode maintained that improved diplomatic and economic engagement between both countries would advance Africa’s political and economic interests.

He also praised South Africa’s growing influence in international diplomacy, particularly its engagement with BRICS and the Global South, as well as its support for Nigeria’s inclusion in the Group of 20 major economies.

The Nigerian envoy expressed confidence that the cordial relationship between Tinubu and Ramaphosa would provide a strong foundation for renewed bilateral cooperation.

He described Tinubu as a friend of South Africa and a personal friend of the South African President, while extending his goodwill to Ramaphosa and the people of the country.

Responding, Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited diplomats to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of collaboration.

He identified economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development as priority areas for mutually beneficial partnerships.

“We encourage you to work closely with our Department of International Relations to identify practical areas of cooperation. We particularly welcome partnerships that support economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills,” Ramaphosa said.

The South African leader assured the diplomats of his government’s support, urging them to engage relevant stakeholders, build strategic partnerships and deploy diplomacy to create opportunities that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Fani-Kayode’s presentation of the Letter of Credence formally marks the commencement of his diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

He was among several ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions who presented their credentials to Ramaphosa at the ceremony. Others represented the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives.

His appointment comes at a significant time for Nigeria-South Africa relations, with both countries seeking stronger cooperation in trade, investment, economic development and continental diplomacy.