Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has assumed duty, promising to protect Nigerians and strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries.
Fani-Kayode arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin his diplomatic assignment. He said rebuilding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa would remain a priority.
According to a statement issued on Monday by his media assistant, Lizzy Okoji, the envoy pledged to advance Nigeria’s interests and promote closer bilateral relations.
Speaking to journalists at O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Fani-Kayode said his mission was to rebuild ties between the two countries. He also promised to protect Nigerians living in South Africa.
“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 said.
The former aviation minister is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini. He stressed that Nigeria and South Africa must work together to advance their shared interests.
He noted that both countries’ positions as Africa’s largest economies placed a responsibility on them to strengthen cooperation and promote development.
His appointment comes amid concerns over tensions and challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans. These issues highlight the need for dialogue, mutual respect and better understanding.
Fani-Kayode is expected to engage South African authorities on ways to address these concerns. His efforts will focus on protecting Nigerians and promoting peaceful coexistence between citizens of both countries.
Several Nigerian and South African officials welcomed the new envoy upon his arrival. They included former Nigerian High Commission Charge d’Affaires, 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, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.
Among them were the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association and Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg.
Student groups included the National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa and the Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg.
Political and cultural organisations also sent representatives. These 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 and Igbo Union South Africa.
Other groups included Ohanaeze South Africa, Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, Arewa Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa.
Fani-Kayode’s assignment now places him at the centre of efforts to strengthen Nigeria-South Africa relations. His success will depend on sustained diplomatic engagement, effective protection of Nigerian citizens and practical steps to resolve disputes. Building trust between both countries will be essential to ensuring that Nigerians in South Africa feel safer while the two nations deepen cooperation for shared prosperity.
