Fani-Kayode Begins Duties as Nigeria’s Envoy to South Africa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Fami-Kayodey, has officially begun his diplomatic duties after presenting copies of his Letters of Credence to South African officials.

Fani-Kayode presented the documents on Friday, October 30, 2026, to Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General of Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol.

He announced the development in a statement shared on his verified X account on Saturday. He described the presentation as an important step in his diplomatic assignment.

The presentation of his Letters of Credence marked the formal commencement of Fani-Kayode’s duties as Nigeria’s representative in South Africa.

Following the presentation, he held an introductory meeting with Ambassador Seboga, another senior official at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Fani-Kayode explained that the submission of copies of the documents was the first stage of his diplomatic accreditation.

He also disclosed that he would present the original Letters of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a formal ceremony in the coming days.

The revised diplomatic procedure allows newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to begin their duties after submitting copies of their credentials to the Chief of State Protocol.

The original documents are subsequently presented to the country’s president during an official ceremony.

Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic assignment covers South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. President Bola Tinubu had earlier presented his Letters of Credence to him through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in July 2026.

His appointment comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen its diplomatic, economic and trade relations with South Africa.

As Fani-Kayode settles into his new role, his mission will focus on promoting Nigeria’s interests, strengthening bilateral cooperation and protecting the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa. His diplomatic engagement will also be important in building stronger relations between the two African nations.