By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has arrived in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, pledging to rebuild relations between both countries and protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode arrived at O. R. Tambo International Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2026, where he was received by senior officials of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community.
He is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini.
Speaking to journalists on arrival, the ambassador said his priority was to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, in line with the diplomatic assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stressed that both countries must work together to advance their shared interests, noting that their economic influence places them in a strategic position to contribute to Africa’s development.
Fani-Kayode’s arrival comes amid concerns over challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans, highlighting the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and stronger diplomatic engagement.
He is expected to engage relevant South African authorities on issues affecting Nigerians in the country, with a focus on protecting their interests, promoting peaceful coexistence and addressing concerns that could strain relations between the two countries.
The ambassador also expressed his commitment to Pan-Africanism, advocating greater cooperation among African nations to promote peace, economic prosperity, regional stability and continental unity.
His diplomatic agenda is expected to include expanding economic and cultural partnerships, strengthening people-to-people relations and building closer cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
FANI-KAYODE WELCOMED BY NIGERIAN COMMUNITY
The ambassador’s arrival attracted a large gathering of well-wishers and members of the Nigerian community, who welcomed him with songs and cultural displays.
Among those present were Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg; and Puleng Chaba, Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Representatives of Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.
They included the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg and the National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa.
Other groups represented included the Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg, All Progressives Congress South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa and Yoruba Leaders Council.
The 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 were also listed among the participating organisations.
As Fani-Kayode begins his assignment, expectations will centre on whether his diplomatic engagements can strengthen bilateral cooperation, address concerns affecting Nigerians in South Africa and rebuild public confidence in relations between the two African countries.
Source: Office of Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa.
