The Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, who is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, arrived in South Africa on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to commence his diplomatic mission, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the country.
He was received at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg by senior officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, who welcomed him as he prepares to assume the responsibility of advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests and strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
Speaking to journalists on arrival, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode said his primary focus in carrying out the diplomatic mission entrusted to him 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.
Fielding further questions from journalists, he emphasised that Nigeria and South Africa, as Africa’s two largest economies, must stand united and work together to advance mutual interests and strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Fani-Kayode has consistently expressed a strong commitment to building bridges between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s most influential nations, with a shared responsibility to promote peace, economic prosperity, regional stability and African unity.
His mission comes at a critical time, as concerns over the challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans underscore the need for sustained dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive engagement. He is expected to engage relevant South African authorities on ways to address these concerns, promote the protection of Nigerians and strengthen peaceful coexistence between citizens of both countries.
A firm believer in Pan-Africanism, Ambassador Fani-Kayode has long advocated a united and prosperous Africa where nations work together to overcome shared challenges, protect the dignity of their people and advance the continent’s collective interests.
As he begins his assignment, his focus is expected to include deepening diplomatic cooperation, expanding economic and cultural partnerships, strengthening people-to-people relations and fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and shared prosperity
Ambassador Fani-Kayode was received by a mammoth crowd of well-wishers and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, who welcomed him with songs, cultural display and expressions of excitement. Among those present were Amb. Temitope Ajayi, former Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Consul General of Nigeria in Johannesburg; and Mr Puleng Chaba, Acting Director, West Africa, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The reception also attracted representatives of several Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations, including the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Nigeria Doctors Forum (NDF), Nigerian Lawyers Association.
Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg (GNPJ), National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa, Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg (CONSUJ), All Progressives Congress (APC) South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA).
Yoruba Leaders Council (YLC), Igbo Union South Africa, Ohanaeze South Africa, Nigerian Muslim Community South Africa, AREWA Union South Africa, Niger Delta Association, and Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives South Africa (ANMISA), alongside several other members of the Nigerian community.