Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Titansloaded reports that the diplomatic documents were presented to the former minister following the granting of the required agrément by the host countries, clearing the final stage for him to assume office as Nigeria’s chief diplomatic representative in the three Southern African nations.
Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment.
According to him, the Letters of Credence were formally presented on behalf of President Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The former minister said he would immediately commence preparations to report to Pretoria, South Africa, where he is expected to present his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially assuming his diplomatic responsibilities.
“I shall begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, presenting my Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead,” Fani-Kayode stated.
Receiving Letters of Credence is a significant diplomatic procedure that authorises an ambassador or high commissioner to officially represent the appointing country before the government of the receiving state. The formal presentation of the document to the host country’s Head of State marks the commencement of the envoy’s official duties.
As Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Fani-Kayode will represent the country’s interests in South Africa while also overseeing diplomatic relations with Lesotho and Eswatini, two neighbouring monarchies in Southern Africa.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain one of the continent’s most important bilateral relationships, with both countries playing influential roles in African politics, regional peace initiatives and economic cooperation. Despite occasional diplomatic tensions over issues including migration and the welfare of citizens, Abuja and Pretoria have continued to engage through established diplomatic channels to strengthen cooperation.
Nigeria also enjoys cordial diplomatic relations with Lesotho and Eswatini through collaboration in continental organisations and bilateral engagements covering education, trade, investment and regional development.
Fani-Kayode served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has remained a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for more than two decades. A lawyer, author and politician, he has occupied various public positions and has frequently commented on national and international affairs.
Describing the diplomatic appointment as another opportunity to serve the nation, the former minister thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
“My gratitude goes to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence he has reposed in me and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill,” he said.
He added that he was optimistic about the assignment and prayed for divine guidance throughout his tenure.
“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this and He shall do great things. He is faithful.”
The appointment comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad through strategic postings aimed at advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives, protecting the interests of Nigerians overseas and deepening bilateral cooperation with partner nations.
With the presentation of his Letters of Credence completed, Fani-Kayode is now expected to travel to Pretoria, where he will formally present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before commencing his official duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.
