Buhari appoints Kabiru Bala as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Kabiru Bala as the new High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa with concurrent accreditation to Swaziland and Lesotho.

A statement issued Monday by spokesman for the minister, Sarah Sanda, said Mr Bala received his Letters of Credence from Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

Mr Bala, a career diplomat, was until his appointment the Deputy High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.

He joined the Foreign Service in 1999 and has at different times served in Brasilia, Sudan, The Gambia, Netherlands and Thailand.

He also served in various departments in the ministry and the State House, Office of the Chief of Staff to the President as well as State House Protocol.

He was charged to work towards further strengthening relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The void in the diplomatic beat was created by the resignation, Ahmed Ibeto, after dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.