The newly appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday to officially begin his diplomatic mission.
Fani-Kayode who is also concurrently accredited to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini landed at O. R. Tambo International Airport where senior diplomats and a large gathering of the Nigerian diaspora welcomed him.
A statement from his media aide Lizzy Okoji quoted the envoy as outlining his primary objectives emphasising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate centres on restoring strong bilateral relations and safeguarding the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.
‘Our focus is to rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa while protecting the interests of our citizens’ Fani-Kayode said. He emphasised that as Africa’s two largest economies both nations must maintain a united front to drive regional stability economic prosperity and Pan-African unity.
His arrival comes at a critical juncture for bilateral relations following recurring socio-economic friction and concerns over the welfare of the Nigerian community. The High Commissioner is expected to engage in high-level talks with South African authorities to address these challenges and foster peaceful coexistence.
The airport reception featured cultural displays and fanfare from various diaspora groups. Key officials present to welcome the envoy included Amb. Temitope Ajayi former Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria; Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche Consul General in Johannesburg; and Mr Puleng Chaba Acting Director for West Africa at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Representatives from major civil professional and regional bodies-including the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) the Nigeria Doctors Forum and student organisations-were also in attendance.