Former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has called for renewed commitment to the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, warning that allowing tensions between both countries to deepen would undermine decades of African solidarity and weaken the continent’s collective future.

In the first part of a commentary titled A Bond That Must Never Be Broken, Fani-Kayode argued that the destinies of Nigeria and South Africa are closely intertwined, describing both nations as the two principal pillars upon which Africa’s political and economic influence rests.

Reflecting on the apartheid era, he recalled remarks attributed to former South African President P.W. Botha, who questioned the ability of Black Africans to govern themselves. According to Fani-Kayode, those views represented the racist ideology that Africans have a responsibility to reject through good governance, unity and mutual respect.

He maintained that every failure of leadership or outbreak of violence among African nations only gives credibility to narratives that seek to diminish the continent and its people. For that reason, he urged African countries to embrace cooperation instead of division.

Using the analogy of a pistol, Fani-Kayode described Nigeria as the trigger and South Africa as the barrel, arguing that both countries must work together if Africa is to realise its full economic and diplomatic potential. He said a fractured relationship between the continent’s two largest economies would ultimately weaken Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Despite his appeal for closer ties, the former minister expressed deep concern over recent developments in South Africa involving Nigerians. He condemned recurring xenophobic attacks, the reported killings of Nigerian nationals and what he described as hostile rhetoric from some South African government officials.

Fani-Kayode criticised comments attributed to South African Presidency Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding Nigerians and compensation for victims of xenophobic violence, saying such statements unfairly stereotype an entire nationality and risk fuelling further hostility against law-abiding Nigerians living in the country.

He also referenced figures reportedly provided by Nigerian officials showing that dozens of Nigerians have lost their lives in South Africa in recent years, while many others have been displaced or forced to abandon businesses and properties following repeated attacks.

According to him, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was right to condemn both the killings and the inflammatory remarks, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad must remain a priority. He noted that the ministry had warned that continued attacks could compel Nigeria to consider further diplomatic measures if the situation remains unresolved.

Fani-Kayode, however, distinguished between South African officials, commending those who have continued to engage Nigeria with respect and diplomacy while urging others to adopt a more measured approach capable of easing tensions rather than escalating them.

He insisted that preserving the historical bond between Nigeria and South Africa does not mean ignoring difficult conversations. Instead, he argued that genuine friendship requires honesty, accountability and a shared commitment to protecting the lives and rights of citizens in both countries.

According to him, the relationship between Africa’s two leading powers was forged through a common struggle against oppression and should not be sacrificed to political disagreements or xenophobic sentiments. He said both governments must continue to strengthen dialogue, confront emerging challenges and preserve a partnership that remains crucial to the future of the African continent.