Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has received his letter of credence ahead of his assumption of office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
His posting comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The development was disclosed in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the letter of credence was presented to him by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
With the presentation of the diplomatic credentials, Fani-Kayode is expected to proceed to Pretoria, where he will formally present his letter of credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially taking up his appointment.
“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.
He thanked God for the opportunity to serve his nation again while recalling his appointment as the Minister of Aviation 20 years ago.
“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 said.
Fani also appreciated the unwavering confidence of President Bola Tinubu in him throughout the years.
“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 said.