Fani-Kayode assumes duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa – Businessday NG

Femi Fani-Kayode has formally assumed his diplomatic responsibilities as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa following the presentation of copies of his Letters of Credence to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Fani-Kayode presented the copies of his Letters of Credence to Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting Chief of State Protocol at DIRCO, on Friday, October 30, 2026.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the presentation was consistent with South Africa’s diplomatic tradition, under which ambassadors-designate can commence their official duties after depositing copies of their Letters of Credence with the country’s foreign affairs ministry.

The ministry explained that Nigeria had also adopted a similar diplomatic arrangement two years ago, allowing newly appointed ambassadors to begin their representational functions once copies of their Letters of Credence were deposited with the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rather than waiting for the formal presentation of the documents to the President.

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Following the presentation, Fani-Kayode held an introductory meeting with  Seboga, Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, as part of his initial diplomatic engagements with senior South African government officials.

The Nigerian High Commissioner expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, particularly through renewed cooperation, collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The engagement comes amid xenophobic attacks, efforts to sustain diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies and influential political actors on the continent.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the presentation of the copies of the Letters of Credence to DIRCO would precede Fani-Kayode’s formal presentation of the original documents to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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