Fani-Kayode Presents Credentials to Ramaphosa, Pledges to Strengthen Nigeria-South Africa Relations
Oru Leonard
PRETORIA, November 13, 2026 – Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to rebuild and strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, describing the two countries as strategic partners whose cooperation is vital to Africa’s future.
Fani-Kayode made the pledge on Friday while presenting his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
The Nigerian envoy, who is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini, conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the South African leader.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, stressing that both countries shared a longstanding relationship built on solidarity, sacrifice and mutual cooperation.
“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,” Fani-Kayode said.
He described Nigeria and South Africa as major trade partners on the African continent, emphasising the need to preserve their historical ties and address areas of concern through constructive diplomatic engagement.
According to him, his mission would focus on rebuilding confidence, strengthening cooperation and restoring the historic friendship between the two countries.
“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,” he said.
The High Commissioner maintained that closer cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa would advance the interests of both countries and contribute significantly to Africa’s development and global influence.
“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.
Fani-Kayode also commended South Africa’s contributions to international diplomacy, particularly its engagement with BRICS, the Global South and its support for Nigeria’s inclusion in the Group of 20 (G20).
He described South Africa’s role in promoting Africa’s representation in global affairs as significant, noting that stronger collaboration between the two countries would advance their shared continental interests.
The Nigerian envoy further conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to Ramaphosa, describing the Nigerian President as a great friend of South Africa and a personal friend of the South African leader.
He expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between the two presidents would provide a strong foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation.
In his response, President Ramaphosa urged newly accredited ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of collaboration.
He particularly highlighted economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development as priority areas requiring stronger international partnerships.
“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 government’s support, urging them to engage relevant stakeholders and deploy diplomacy to build bridges, create opportunities and improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
He also wished the newly accredited diplomats successful tenures and warmly welcomed them to South Africa.
Fani-Kayode subsequently formally presented his Letter of Credence from President Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.
The Nigerian High Commissioner presented his credentials alongside ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives, who also presented their Letters of Credence to President Ramaphosa.
