Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following a redeployment request that ced his initial posting.
Fani-Kayode disclosed the development on his official X account on Thursday, stating that he was originally scheduled to be posted to Germany but requested a ce due to personal considerations.
According to him, he formally communicated his preference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing reservations about serving in Germany and instead requesting deployment to South Africa, a country he said aligns more closely with his interests and diplomatic outlook.
He explained that his request was reviewed and approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, before being forwarded to President Tinubu for final endorsement.
“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also noted that his posting involved a swap arrangement with Senator Sam Enang, who was initially assigned to South Africa but reportedly opted for Germany instead.
He dismissed reports suggesting that Germany rejected his appointment, describing such claims as false, malicious, and aimed at damaging his reputation and embarrassing the Federal Government.
The former minister stated that he had instructed his legal team to take action against the publication responsible for the report and had also reported the matter to relevant security agencies.
Fani-Kayode further urged media organisations to verify information before publication, insisting that no official rejection came from Germany regarding his diplomatic posting.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for approving his redeployment and said he looks forward to representing Nigeria in South Africa.
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