Fani-Kayode Receives Letters of Credence, Set to Begin Diplomatic Mission in South Africa

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally received his Letters of Credence, clearing the final hurdle before assuming office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The development marks a significant chapter in Fani-Kayode’s public service career, two decades after he served in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister of Aviation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode announced that he received the official diplomatic documents after securing the required agrément from the host countries. The Letters of Credence were presented on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The former minister said the presentation formally authorizes him to represent Nigeria’s interests in the three Southern African nations and begin preparations for his diplomatic assignment.

“I shall begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, presenting my Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead,” Fani-Kayode stated.

The appointment places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa and neighboring kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, countries with longstanding political, economic and cultural ties to Africa’s largest economy.

Expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity, Fani-Kayode described the appointment as both an honour and a divine calling to serve the nation once again.

“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,” he said.

“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this and He shall do great things. He is faithful.”

The new High Commissioner is expected to travel to Pretoria in the coming weeks, where he will formally present his credentials to President Ramaphosa before commencing diplomatic duties aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, trade cooperation, regional integration and people-to-people engagement between Nigeria and the three Southern African nations.

The appointment underscores the Tinubu administration’s continuing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint across the African continent while leveraging experienced political figures in key foreign service positions.