Fani-Kayode Begins SA Mission, Vows To Rebuild Ties
Songs, cultural displays and cheers from Nigerians living in South Africa greeted Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode on Sunday as he arrived in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, pledging to rebuild relations between the two African powers and protect Nigerians living in the country.
Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, who is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, arrived at O. R. Tambo International Airport on 25 October 2026.
He was received by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, members of the Nigerian community and representatives of various professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations.
Speaking to journalists on arrival, the envoy said rebuilding the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa would be a priority as he carries out the diplomatic assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also pledged to protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa, amid concerns over tensions and challenges affecting relations between citizens of both countries.
Fani-Kayode said Nigeria and South Africa, as two of Africa’s largest economies, needed to work together to advance their shared interests and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
His arrival comes at a time when sustained diplomatic engagement is important to addressing concerns within the Nigerian community, promoting mutual understanding and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
The High Commissioner is expected to engage relevant South African authorities on issues affecting Nigerians, while pursuing stronger economic, cultural and diplomatic partnerships between both countries.
A strong advocate of Pan-Africanism, Fani-Kayode has called for greater African unity, arguing that countries on the continent must work together to address common challenges, protect their citizens’ dignity and promote shared prosperity.
His diplomatic agenda is expected to focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities, strengthening people-to-people relations and building cooperation based on mutual respect and trust.
Among those who received him were Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg; and Mr Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Several Nigerian organisations were also represented, including the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association and Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg.
Others included the National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa, Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg, All Progressives Congress South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa, Yoruba Leaders Council, Igbo Union South Africa and Ohanaeze South Africa.
Representatives of the Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, AREWA Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association, and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa were also present.
The large turnout reflected the significance attached to the new envoy’s arrival by sections of the Nigerian community, whose interests and welfare are expected to feature prominently in his diplomatic engagement.
As Fani-Kayode begins his mission, the challenge will be to translate his pledge of renewed friendship into practical cooperation that strengthens bilateral relations, improves engagement with the Nigerian diaspora and advances the interests of both countries.
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