Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to rebuild diplomatic relations between both countries and protect the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode made the pledge on Sunday after arriving in Johannesburg to begin his diplomatic assignment, saying strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two African countries would be a priority.
According to a statement signed by the media assistant to the ambassador, Lizzy Okoji, and issued on Monday, Fani-Kayode, said his mission was to advance Nigeria’s interests and promote closer bilateral relations.
Speaking to journalists on arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, the former aviation minister, who is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatin said, “My primary focus in carrying out the diplomatic mission entrusted to me 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.”
He stressed the need for both countries to work together, noting that their positions as Africa’s largest economies placed a responsibility on them to advance shared interests.
According to him, stronger cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa would contribute to economic prosperity, regional stability and African unity.
His appointment comes amid concerns over challenges affecting relations between Nigerians and South Africans, underscoring the need for dialogue and improved understanding between the two countries.
The new high commissioner is expected to engage South African authorities on measures to address these concerns, protect Nigerians and promote peaceful coexistence between citizens of both countries.
The ambassador’s appointment also demands he pursues opportunities to expand economic and cultural partnerships, strengthen people-to-people relations and deepen diplomatic cooperation.
The statement said his arrival was greeted by members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, who gathered at the airport with songs, cultural displays and expressions of support.
Among those who received him were former Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi; the Consul General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche; and the Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Puleng Chaba.
Representatives of several Nigerian community, professional, cultural, religious, student and political organisations also attended the reception.
They included the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Nigeria Doctors Forum, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Group of Nigerian Professionals Johannesburg, National Association of Nigerian Students South Africa and Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg.
Others were representatives of the All Progressives Congress in South Africa, City Boys South Africa, Egbe Omo Yoruba Association, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa, Yoruba Leaders Council, 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.
The reception highlighted the involvement of Nigerians living in South Africa in the diplomatic mission, particularly as the high commissioner prepares to engage authorities on issues affecting the community.
Fani-Kayode’s assignment will also cover Nigeria’s relations with Lesotho and Eswatini, two southern African kingdoms to which he is concurrently accredited.