Fani-Kayode Submits Letter of Credence, Pledges to Rebuild Nigeria-South Africa Ties

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to rebuild diplomatic relations between both countries and strengthen their historic friendship.

He made the pledge on Friday while presenting his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

Fani-Kayode, who also serves as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Lesotho and Eswatini, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to Ramaphosa and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to stronger bilateral relations.

He recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, stressing that both countries shared a history of solidarity that should guide their future relationship.

The envoy said Nigeria stood firmly with South Africa during its difficult years, committing human and material resources to the fight against racial oppression.

“I come here standing tall and proud, having been sent by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to present my Letter of Credence to you, his brother and his friend.

“Nigeria and South Africa have a long history of fraternity and friendship. We fought together, we stood by you, and we gave our blood and our treasure for you during your dark days,” he said.

Fani-Kayode described the two countries as major trading partners on the continent, arguing that their cooperation remains important to Africa’s economic and political future.

He said his diplomatic assignment would focus on rebuilding trust, addressing existing concerns and creating stronger channels of cooperation.

“Part of my job here is to reset that relationship, to come and build that bridge, and to ensure that whatever concerns we have, we can work them out and move forward together,” he said.

According to him, closer cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa would strengthen Africa’s position in global affairs and advance the interests of their citizens.

He also commended South Africa’s contributions to international diplomacy, particularly its role in BRICS, the Global South and Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20.

The High Commissioner described these efforts as important to improving Africa’s representation in global decision-making.

He further conveyed Tinubu’s personal goodwill to Ramaphosa, describing the Nigerian President as a close friend of the South African leader.

Fani-Kayode expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between both presidents would provide a strong foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation.

“Your brother, our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a great friend of South Africa and a great personal friend of yours. My prayer is that our friendship continues to grow stronger,” he said.

In his response, Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited diplomats to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of partnership.

He identified economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development as key priorities for cooperation.

“We encourage you to work closely with our Department of International Relations to identify practical areas of cooperation. We particularly welcome partnerships that support economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills,” Ramaphosa said.

The South African President assured the diplomats of his government’s support and encouraged them to engage relevant stakeholders to build partnerships that would benefit their respective countries.

He said diplomatic engagement should go beyond official relations to create opportunities, strengthen cooperation and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Ramaphosa also wished the diplomats successful tenures and welcomed them to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode presented his Letter of Credence, signed by Tinubu, alongside other ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to South Africa.

The other diplomats represented the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives.