Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally received his Letters of Credence, clearing the final diplomatic hurdle before assuming office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to Lesotho and Eswatini.
The former minister disclosed the development in a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, where he described the appointment as both a privilege and a divine opportunity to return to national service.
According to Fani-Kayode, the presentation of the Letters of Credence followed the successful receipt of agrément from the host country, completing the diplomatic process required before taking up his assignment abroad.
He said the documents were presented to him by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am honoured to have received my Letters of Credence to serve as the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Fani-Kayode said.
He explained that his next assignment would be to travel to Pretoria, where he would formally present his credentials to Cyril Ramaphosa before officially commencing diplomatic duties.
“I shall begin the process of reporting to Pretoria, presenting my Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and starting the great and important work that lies ahead,” he stated.
Reflecting on his return to public office, the former aviation minister said the latest appointment came almost two decades after he served in the Federal Executive Council, describing the opportunity as an act of divine favour.
“I thank God for the opportunity to serve my nation once again after being appointed Minister of Aviation 20 years ago, almost to the day,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the diplomatic responsibility.
“My gratitude goes to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence he has reposed in me, and I covet the prayers of all men and women of goodwill,” he added.
He concluded by attributing the appointment to God’s grace, saying, “The Lord alone shall take the glory for this, and He shall do great things. He is faithful.”
The appointment places Fani-Kayode at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa while also overseeing the country’s bilateral relations with Lesotho and Eswatini through concurrent accreditation.
