Fani-Kayode takes up post as Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, has formally started work as Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa. He presented copies of his Letters of Credence on Friday at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

The letters were received by Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol. According to reports of the event, the presentation marks the formal start of Fani-Kayode's diplomatic duties with effect from October 30, 2026.

After the brief ceremony, he met with Ambassador Seboga, a Deputy Director-General at DIRCO, in his office. The meetings are part of his first round of engagements with senior South African government officials.

What happens next

The copies presented on Friday come before the main ceremony, when Fani-Kayode will hand his Letters of Credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa. That event is expected in a few days.

Until then, the Friday presentation is the step that allows him to begin representing Nigeria in South Africa in an official capacity.

The posting matters for ordinary Nigerians because South Africa is home to a large Nigerian community and a major trade partner. The High Commission handles visas, passports and consular help for Nigerians living, working or travelling there, and it speaks for them when disputes arise.

Fani-Kayode is a former minister of aviation and a known figure in Nigerian politics.

Nigeria and South Africa have long ties in trade, mining, telecoms and entertainment, and the two governments regularly discuss security and migration. The High Commissioner is the official who keeps that relationship running day to day.