By Sharon Akuboh
Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa, on Friday, November 13, 2026, presented his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to restore the longstanding historic friendship and strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Fani-Kayode, who is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini, made this commitment while presenting his Letter of Credence to President Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, where he conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“I come here standing tall and proud, having been sent by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to present my Letter of Credence to you, his brother and his friend. 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,” he said.
Addressing President Ramaphosa. Fani-Kayode recalled Nigeria’s sacrifices during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, noting that both countries had reciprocated their solidarity in various ways. He described Nigeria and South Africa as major trade partners on the African continent, stressing the need to preserve their historic relationship.
“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. 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 said.
The High Commissioner commended South Africa’s contributions to international diplomacy, particularly its efforts concerning BRICS, the Global South and Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, describing the country’s role as significant to strengthening Africa’s representation in global affairs.
Fani-Kayode also conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to President Ramaphosa, describing the Nigerian leader as a great friend of South Africa and a personal friend of the South African President. He expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between both leaders would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“Your brother, our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a great friend of South Africa and a great personal friend of yours. My prayer is that our friendship continues to grow stronger. We wish you well. We wish South Africa well. May God be with you,” he said.
President Ramaphosa, in his remarks, urged the newly accredited heads of diplomatic missions to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of collaboration, particularly in economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development.
“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 further assured the diplomats of his government’s support, urging them to engage stakeholders and use diplomacy to build bridges, create opportunities and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. He wished them successful tenures and welcoming them warmly to the country.
The High Commissioner subsequently presented his Letter of Credence from President Tinubu, GCFR, to President Ramaphosa, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Fani-Kayode presented his Letter of Credence 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 formally presented their letters of credence to President Ramaphosa.