Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally commenced his diplomatic duties following the presentation of copies of his Letters of Credence to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Fani-Kayode announced this in a post on his X handle on Saturday, saying he presented the documents on Friday to Clayson Monyela, DIRCO’s Deputy Director-General of Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol.

He said the presentation marked an important diplomatic milestone and the formal commencement of his duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, effective October 30.

“I formally presented copies of my Letters of Credence to Mr Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting Chief of State Protocol, at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO),” he wrote.

Fani-Kayode added that he subsequently met with Ambassador Seboga, a Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, as part of his initial diplomatic engagements with senior South African government officials.

“Following the presentation, I also met with Ambassador Seboga, Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, in his office, as part of my initial diplomatic engagements with senior South African government officials,” he stated.

The former Minister of Aviation explained that the presentation of copies of the Letters of Credence would be followed by a formal ceremony during which he would present the original documents to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The presentation of copies of my Letters of Credence precedes the ceremonial presentation of my Letters of Credence to His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, which will take place in a few days’ time,” he added.