Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally assumed his diplomatic responsibilities after presenting copies of his Letters of Credence to officials of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The presentation took place on October 30, 2026, when Fani-Kayode submitted the documents to Clayson Monyela, DIRCO’s Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol.
In a statement published on October 31, the “Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs” said the presentation formally marked the commencement of his diplomatic functions and authorised him to represent Nigeria in South Africa on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
New Diplomatic Procedure
Fani-Kayode’s assumption of office follows a change in South Africa’s diplomatic accreditation procedure.
Under the revised arrangement, a head of mission is considered to have taken up their position after submitting copies of their Letters of Credence to the Chief of State Protocol. Previously, the formal assumption of duties required the presentation of the original documents to the receiving country’s president.
According to “Channels Television” South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed the policy change in a communication dated October 28.
The original Letters of Credence will still be presented to President Cyril Ramaphosa at a subsequent credential’s ceremony. However, Fani-Kayode can begin performing his diplomatic functions without waiting for that ceremony.
Focus on Nigeria–South Africa Relations
Following the presentation, Fani-Kayode held an introductory meeting with senior South African diplomatic officials as part of his initial engagements.
The Nigerian High Commission said he expressed confidence in the prospects of strengthening cooperation and strategic partnerships between both countries, particularly in areas of mutual interest.
His appointment comes amid longstanding diplomatic and community concerns involving Nigerians living in South Africa, including reported attacks on Nigerian nationals and tensions linked to anti-immigrant sentiment.
In an earlier report published on October 27, “The Punch” reported that Fani-Kayode had identified rebuilding relations with South Africa and protecting Nigerians living there as priorities of his assignment.
Fani-Kayode is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, extending his diplomatic responsibilities beyond South Africa.
His formal assumption of office begins a new phase of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the three countries, with attention expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, economic partnerships and the welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
