By Sanni Abdullahi
ABUJA — Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally received his 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.
The presentation was done on Saturday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The ceremony followed the issuance of an ‘agrément’ by the host countries, a standard diplomatic procedure confirming acceptance of a nominated envoy.
Announcing the development on his official channels, Fani-Kayode described the appointment as a renewed call to national service.
“Honored 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 stated.
“Having received the ‘agrément’ and having been presented with the letter of credence from His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, 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.”
With concurrent accreditation to Maseru and Mbabane, the new High Commissioner will oversee Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and consular interests across the three Southern African nations. Pretoria serves as the primary mission, with Lesotho and Eswatini covered under the same office.
Fani-Kayode’s posting comes at a time when Nigeria and South Africa are seeking to deepen trade, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies have focused in recent years on issues ranging from investment protection and energy collaboration to migration and the welfare of Nigerian citizens in South Africa. The High Commission in Pretoria plays a central role in advancing those engagements and in coordinating with SADC member states.
Reflecting on the moment, Fani-Kayode noted the personal significance of returning to public service two decades after his first ministerial appointment.
“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!” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him, and called for public support as he assumes duty.
“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,” Fani-Kayode added. “The Lord alone shall take the glory for this and He shall do great things. He is faithful!”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to announce the date for the formal presentation of credentials to President Ramaphosa in Pretoria in the coming weeks. Once presented, Fani-Kayode will commence full diplomatic functions, including engagements with the Nigerian community, business leaders, and government officials across his areas of accreditation.
Diplomatic observers note that the appointment brings to the mission a veteran communicator and politician with prior experience in federal cabinet and in public diplomacy. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s image, expanding economic partnerships, and protecting the interests of Nigerians in the region.
