Tinubu approves Fani-Kayode’s redeployment as Ambassador-designate to South Africa

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the development followed his formal request to be reassigned after he was initially nominated for a diplomatic posting to Germany.

According to him, he raised concerns about the Germany posting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested to be considered for South Africa instead.

He said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, approved his request and forwarded it to President Tinubu, who subsequently gave final approval for the redeployment.

“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode explained that his preference for South Africa was influenced by personal reasons, including his desire to serve in a country he had never visited despite spending much of his life in Europe.

He also said South Africa’s economic strength, political direction, and close ties with Nigeria aligned with his foreign policy outlook and pan-African vision.

“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 said.

The former minister further revealed that the redeployment followed a mutual arrangement involving Senator Ita Solomon Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa but later agreed to take up the Germany posting instead.

Fani-Kayode also dismissed reports claiming he was rejected by the German government, describing them as false, malicious, and aimed at embarrassing both him and the Federal Government.

He insisted that no formal rejection was ever issued by German authorities.

He added that legal action has already been initiated against the media platform behind the report, while relevant security agencies have also been notified.

Fani-Kayode thanked President Tinubu and the Foreign Affairs Minister for the approval and said he looks forward to representing Nigeria in South Africa.