Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.
Fani-Kayode disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Thursday, explaining that his initial posting to Germany was reconsidered after he requested a change of location.
He said he had written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing his reservations about serving in Germany, and instead asked to be posted to South Africa.
According to him, the request was approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who forwarded it to President Tinubu for final endorsement.
He stated that “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 added that his initial assignment to Germany was reviewed shortly after he made a formal appeal, noting that he preferred South Africa due to personal interests and his long stay in Europe.
Fani-Kayode also said he had expressed a desire to serve in a country aligned with his beliefs and one with strong ties to Nigeria and Africa’s economic and political landscape.
He revealed that the adjustment involved a swap arrangement with Senator Sam Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa but opted for Germany.
The former minister dismissed claims that Germany rejected his appointment, describing such reports as false and damaging.
He further stated that he had instructed his lawyers to take legal action against the publication behind the report and reported the matter to security agencies.
Fani-Kayode thanked President Tinubu and the Foreign Affairs Minister for approving his redeployment and said he looks forward to serving in South Africa.
