By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved his posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following a request to swap his earlier appointment to Germany.
Fani-Kayode disclosed the development on Thursday via his X handle, saying the change came just days after his initial posting to Germany was announced. He explained that he had formally written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing reservations about serving in Germany for personal reasons.
The former minister said he preferred South Africa because he had never lived there and was drawn to its economic weight and closer ties with Nigeria. He also cited shared convictions on pan-African issues and foreign policy as factors influencing his choice.
According to Fani-Kayode, his request was considered and approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who then forwarded it to President Tinubu for final clearance. The adjustment involved a swap with Senator Sam Enang, who was initially slated for South Africa but opted for Germany instead.
Fani-Kayode dismissed reports that Germany had rejected his nomination, describing them as “false and malicious.” He said the claims were fabricated to damage his reputation and embarrass the Federal Government, and that he had instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against the publication responsible.
He further stated that no formal rejection was ever communicated by Germany and urged the media to verify information before publication. The former minister added that he had also reported the matter to relevant security agencies for investigation.
Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to both Tinubu and Tuggar for approving the redeployment, saying he looked forward to representing Nigeria in Pretoria. He noted that serving in a country with strong political and economic links to Nigeria aligns with his vision for Africa.
The redeployment marks another shift in Nigeria’s diplomatic postings under the current administration, as Tinubu continues to reshape the country’s foreign service appointments ahead of 2027. South Africa remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner on the continent and a key player in regional affairs.
Fani-Kayode’s new role will place him at the center of bilateral relations between Africa’s two biggest economies, with expectations that he will advance Nigeria’s interests in trade, security and continental diplomacy.
