Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence, clearing the final diplomatic hurdle before assuming office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the South Africa, the Lesotho and the Eswatini.
The former minister disclosed the development in a statement shared through his verified X account on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to once again serve Nigeria in a national capacity.
According to him, the presentation of the Letters of Credence followed the successful issuance of the required agrément by the receiving countries, thereby authorising his diplomatic assignment.
“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 yesterday,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
He explained that the official documents were presented to him after the completion of all diplomatic procedures required before the commencement of his mission.
“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 Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,” he added.
Fani-Kayode stated that his next assignment would involve travelling to Pretoria, where he would formally present his credentials to Cyril Ramaphosa before officially taking up his diplomatic responsibilities.
“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 said.
The former minister reflected on his previous service in government, noting that his latest appointment comes almost exactly two decades after he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation.
He described the appointment as another opportunity granted by God to contribute to national development.
“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 stated.
Fani-Kayode also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the diplomatic role.
He said the confidence reposed in him by the President would inspire him to work diligently in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the three Southern African nations.
“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 wrote.
The former minister concluded by attributing the appointment to divine grace and expressing optimism about the success of his diplomatic mission.
“The Lord alone shall take the glory for this, and He shall do great things. He is faithful!” he added.
Fani-Kayode is expected to oversee Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, promoting bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment, regional security, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
