Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has taken another step towards assuming office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini after receiving his letters of credence.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, handed over the diplomatic documents following the approval of the required agrément.
He disclosed that he will now travel to Pretoria to present his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially beginning his diplomatic responsibilities.
“Having received the ‘agrément’ and having been presented with the Letter of Credence from His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Excellency Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, 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.”
Reflecting on the appointment, Fani-Kayode said he was grateful for another opportunity to represent Nigeria, noting that it comes nearly 20 years after his appointment as Minister of Aviation.
“I thank God for the opportunity to serve my nation once again after being appointed as Minister of Aviation 20 years ago almost to the day.”
He also thanked President Tinubu for the confidence placed in him and appealed for support as he begins the assignment.
“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.
“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this, and He shall do great things.”
Fani-Kayode was among the 32 non career ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation in November 2025.
Photographs from the event captured the former minister receiving his credentials from Ambassador Enikanolaiye and exchanging handshakes after the presentation ceremony.
