Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has presented his Letter of Credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to rebuild historic ties between the two countries, deepen economic cooperation and strengthen their partnership in advancing Africa’s interests on the global stage.
Fani-Kayode presented his credentials on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, where he conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu and outlined his commitment to revitalising bilateral relations between Africa’s two major economies.
The Nigerian envoy, who is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini, said his diplomatic assignment would focus on restoring the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and South Africa, addressing areas of disagreement and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
Addressing Ramaphosa, Fani-Kayode recalled Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, stressing that the sacrifices made during that period provided a foundation for stronger relations between the two countries.
“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.
The High Commissioner maintained that Nigeria and South Africa had demonstrated solidarity at critical moments in their respective histories and should build on that relationship to address contemporary diplomatic and economic challenges.
He described both countries as important trading partners whose cooperation remained essential to Africa’s development, regional stability and influence in international affairs.
According to him, rebuilding trust and strengthening engagement between Abuja and Pretoria would be central to his tenure.
“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,” Fani-Kayode declared.
“If Nigeria and South Africa work closely together, the destiny of our great continent will be more secure. It is in our mutual interest, and in the interest of our people and our continent, that we ensure that we stand tall, stand strong, and build that bridge,” he added.
The envoy stressed that stronger relations between the two countries would serve not only their national interests but also the wider African continent, particularly at a time when African governments were seeking greater influence in global economic and political decision-making.
Fani-Kayode also commended South Africa’s contributions to international diplomacy, highlighting its engagement with BRICS, advocacy for the Global South and efforts relating to Nigeria’s participation in the G20.
He described South Africa’s diplomatic roler as significant to strengthening Africa’s representation in international institutions and promoting the interests of developing countries.
The High Commissioner further emphasised the personal relationship between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, expressing optimism that their friendship would provide a foundation for closer cooperation between both governments.
“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. We wish you well. We wish South Africa well. May God be with you,” he said.
Responding, President Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions to prioritise practical partnerships capable of delivering economic andr social benefits.
He encouraged the diplomats to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify areas where bilateral engagement could support economic growth, industrial development, employment and skills acquisition.
“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 administration’s support and encouraged them to engage relevant stakeholders throughout their assignments.
He maintained that diplomacy should extend beyond formal engagements to building relationships, expanding opportunities and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Ramaphosa also welcomed the newly accredited representatives to South Africa and wished them successful tenures.
Following the exchange of remarks, Fani-Kayode formally presented his Letter of Credence from President Tinubu to Ramaphosa, completing the accreditation ceremony and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
The ceremony marked a formal milestone in Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic assignment and provided an opportunity for the Nigerian envoy to outline his priorities for bilateral relations.
His stated objectives include addressing outstanding concerns between the countries, promoting greater economic s and strengthening their collective influence in continental and international affairs.
The presentation also came amid a broader diplomatic ceremony involving representatives from several countries and international organisations.
Other ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions who presented their credentials included representatives of the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives.
Fani-Kayode’s pledge to rebuild bridges between Nigeria and South Africa underscores his stated intention to make bilateral engagement, economic cooperation and continental solidarity central priorities of his diplomatic tenure.
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