A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally presented copies of his Letters of Credence to the Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting Chief of State Protocol, Mr Clayson Monyela, at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

The presentation on Friday marked an important diplomatic milestone, signifying the formal commencement of Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic functions and his assumption of duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa with effect from October 30, 2026.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode (centre), meeting with South African officials

Following the presentation, Fani-Kayode also met with the Deputy Director-General of DIRCO in his office, as part of his initial diplomatic engagements with senior South African government officials.

The presentation of copies of his Letters of Credence precedes the ceremonial presentation of his Letters of Credence to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, which will take place in a few days.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode (left), presenting his Letters of Credence

In a statement dated October 28, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa explained that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation had approved a policy change in terms of Article 13 (1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, to replace the current practice where a Head of Mission-Designate would have to present the original Letters of Credence to the President before being considered as having taken up their functions in the receiving state.

“The Department wishes to confirm that once the Head of Mission-Designate has submitted the copies of the Letters of Credence to the Chief of State Protocol, the said Head of Mission-Designate is considered to have taken up his / her position as Head of Mission,” the statement read in part.

“The Department wishes to furthermore confirm that the original Letters of Credence will still be handed over to the President at the next Credentials Ceremony on a date and time to be communicated. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the assurances of its highest consideration.” (Channels)