Fani-Kayode Presents Credentials to Ramaphosa, Vows to Rebuild Nigeria-South Africa Ties

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries, describing the restoration of their historic friendship as a major priority of his diplomatic assignment.

Fani-Kayode made the commitment on Friday, November 13, 2026, while presenting his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

The envoy, who is also accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to Ramaphosa and expressed Nigeria’s desire to deepen cooperation with South Africa.

He recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, noting that both countries shared a history of solidarity, friendship and mutual support.

“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 the two countries as major trading partners on the African continent and stressed that their relationship should be strengthened in the interest of their citizens and Africa’s broader development.

“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.

According to the High Commissioner, closer cooperation between Abuja and Pretoria would contribute to Africa’s economic and political advancement.

He also commended South Africa’s role in international diplomacy, particularly its engagement with BRICS, the Global South and Nigeria’s inclusion in the Group of 20 major economies.

Fani-Kayode expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between Tinubu and Ramaphosa would provide a foundation for stronger bilateral engagement.

He described the Nigerian President as a friend of South Africa and a personal friend of the South African leader, while expressing goodwill towards Ramaphosa and the people of the country.

In his response, Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited diplomats to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of collaboration.

He highlighted economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development as priority areas where diplomatic missions could help build mutually beneficial 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,” the South African President said.

Ramaphosa assured the diplomats of his government’s support and encouraged them to engage relevant stakeholders, build partnerships and use diplomacy to create opportunities that improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Fani-Kayode formally presented his Letter of Credence from President Tinubu during the ceremony, marking the official commencement of his diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

He joined 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 credentials to Ramaphosa.

The development signals Nigeria’s stated intention to strengthen engagement with South Africa, particularly in trade, economic cooperation and continental diplomacy.