Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally presented copies of his Letters of Credence to South African officials, marking the commencement of his duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the country.

He presented the documents on Friday to Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting Chief of State Protocol at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

The presentation marked an important diplomatic milestone, signifying the formal commencement of Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic functions and his assumption of office with effect from October 30, 2026.

Following the presentation, Fani-Kayode also met with the Deputy Director-General 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 formal presentation of the original documents to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a ceremony expected to take place in the coming days.

In a statement dated October 28, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation explained that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation had approved a policy change under Article 13(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961.

The change replaces the previous practice under which a Head of Mission-Designate was required to present the original Letters of Credence to the President before being recognised as having formally assumed diplomatic functions in the receiving country.

“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.

It added: “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.”