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Fani-Kayode Arrives South Africa, Pledges to Protect Nigerians, Rebuild Ties

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2 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries and protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Fani-Kayode made the pledge on Sunday after arriving in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, saying his priority was to rebuild friendship and cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies.

According to a statement issued on Monday by his media assistant, Lizzy Okoji, the former Minister of Aviation said his mission was to advance Nigeria’s interests and promote stronger bilateral relations.

Speaking to journalists at O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Fani-Kayode said his assignment was entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu.

“My primary focus in carrying out the diplomatic mission entrusted to me by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, while protecting the interests of Nigerians living in the country,” he said.

He stressed the importance of closer collaboration between both countries, noting that their economic influence placed them in a strong position to promote shared interests, economic prosperity, regional stability and African unity.

His appointment comes amid persistent concerns over tensions affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans, highlighting the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and improved cooperation.

Fani-Kayode is expected to engage South African authorities on issues affecting Nigerians, including measures to protect their welfare, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen people-to-people relations.

His diplomatic agenda also includes expanding economic and cultural partnerships and deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The statement said members of the Nigerian community in South Africa welcomed the high commissioner at the airport with songs, cultural displays and expressions of support.

Those present included former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi; Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche; and Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Representatives of various Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.

They included the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa, and several ethnic, religious and professional associations.

The reception underscored the Nigerian community’s interest in the new high commissioner’s mission, particularly efforts to address challenges facing Nigerians in South Africa.

Fani-Kayode is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, extending his diplomatic responsibilities to the two southern African kingdoms.