Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, explaining that the reassignment followed his request to be moved from an earlier diplomatic posting to Germany.
According to him, he formally communicated his reservations about the Germany posting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested consideration for deployment to South Africa instead.
He stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, approved the request and subsequently forwarded it to President Tinubu for final approval.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he said.
Fani-Kayode explained that his preference for South Africa was influenced by personal considerations, including his interest in serving in a country he had not previously visited despite spending much of his life in Europe.
He also cited South Africa’s economic status, political orientation, and relationship with Nigeria as factors behind the decision.
“I expressed my preference to serve in a country that shares some of my convictions and values in global affairs, possesses the largest economy in Africa, maintains closer ties with Nigeria, and aligns more closely with my pan-African foreign policy perspective,” he stated.
The former minister further revealed that the redeployment was facilitated through a mutual exchange arrangement involving Sam Enang, who had initially been posted to South Africa but later opted for Germany.
Fani-Kayode also dismissed reports alleging that the German government rejected his appointment, describing the claims as false and malicious.
According to him, no official communication rejecting his nomination was ever issued by German authorities.
He said legal action has already been initiated against the media platform responsible for the report, while the matter has also been referred to relevant security agencies.
The former minister urged journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication in order to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Fani-Kayode expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approving the redeployment, adding that he is prepared to represent Nigeria in South Africa.
