Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
The development comes after he was initially posted to Germany before requesting a ce in assignment for personal and diplomatic reasons. In his statement, Fani-Kayode said he formally approached the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to request redeployment, which was subsequently conveyed to the President and approved.
He explained that his preference for South Africa was based on shared values and stronger diplomatic alignment with Nigeria, noting the country’s economic influence and its significance in African affairs.
Fani-Kayode expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the request and also thanked Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar for facilitating the process. He further acknowledged Senator Sam Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa, for agreeing to a mutual exce that allowed the new posting arrangement to proceed smoothly.
The former minister also strongly dismissed reports suggesting that he was rejected by Germany, describing such claims as false and malicious. He stated that no formal rejection was issued and accused the report of being fabricated to mislead the public and damage reputations.
According to him, the matter has been reported to security agencies and legal action is being considered against the publication responsible for the story, which he described as defamatory.
He added that his focus remains on his upcoming diplomatic assignment, expressing optimism about representing Nigeria in South Africa and strengthening bilateral relations between both countries under his new role.
Fani-Kayode concluded that he looks forward to serving in what he described as a strategically important nation with deep historical and political significance in Africa.
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