Fani-Kayode presents credentials to Ramaphosa, vows to rebuild Nigeria-South Africa ties

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, describing the 2 international locations as historic allies whose cooperation is important to Africa’s growth.

Fani-Kayode made the dedication on Friday, November 13, 2026, when he offered his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

The ambassador, who can also be concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to Ramaphosa throughout the ceremony.

He stated his diplomatic project would concentrate on rebuilding confidence, addressing current issues and strengthening cooperation between the 2 African international locations.

Fani-Kayode recollects Nigeria’s help throughout apartheid

Speaking on the ceremony, Fani-Kayode recalled Nigeria’s historic help for South Africa throughout its wrestle in opposition to apartheid, noting that each international locations shared longstanding ties of solidarity and friendship.

He stated Nigeria stood firmly with South Africa throughout its tough interval, offering help and sources in the direction of the nation’s liberation wrestle.

“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 stated.

The envoy famous that the 2 international locations had maintained reciprocal relations over time and remained necessary buying and selling companions on the African continent.

Envoy guarantees to rebuild diplomatic relations

Fani-Kayode recognized rebuilding confidence and strengthening bilateral cooperation as main priorities of his diplomatic project.

He stated Nigeria and South Africa wanted to handle their variations by dialogue and work collectively in the direction of advancing their shared pursuits.

“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 stated.

He added that stronger cooperation between each international locations would contribute considerably to the safety, stability and growth of the African continent.

Fani-Kayode additionally recommended South Africa’s contributions to worldwide diplomacy, significantly its involvement in BRICS, the Global South and efforts in the direction of strengthening Nigeria’s participation within the G20.

He described the nation’s diplomatic engagements as necessary to enhancing Africa’s illustration and affect in world affairs.

The ambassador additional conveyed Tinubu’s goodwill to Ramaphosa, describing the Nigerian President as a pal of South Africa and a private pal of the South African chief.

Ramaphosa identifies areas of cooperation

Responding, Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited diplomats to work carefully with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to determine sensible areas of partnership.

He listed financial development, industrial growth, job creation and expertise growth as key priorities that diplomatic missions ought to discover of their respective engagements.

“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,” the South African President stated.

Ramaphosa assured the diplomats of his authorities’s help and inspired them to have interaction related stakeholders to determine alternatives that might enhance the lives of peculiar residents.

He additionally urged them to make use of diplomacy to construct bridges, strengthen worldwide partnerships and promote mutually useful relationships.

The South African chief wished the newly accredited diplomats profitable tenures and formally welcomed them to the nation.

Nigeria reaffirms dedication to bilateral relations

Following his tackle, Fani-Kayode offered his Letter of Credence, issued by President Tinubu, formally confirming his appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

The presentation reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic relations and increasing cooperation between the 2 international locations.

The ceremony additionally featured the presentation of Letters of Credence by ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions representing the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives.

Fani-Kayode’s project is anticipated to concentrate on advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and financial pursuits in South Africa, whereas strengthening current partnerships between the 2 international locations.