Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following a change in his earlier diplomatic posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode made the disclosure on Thursday in a statement posted on his X account, where he explained that he personally requested to be redeployed from Germany to South Africa for what he described as personal and ideological reasons.
The former minister said he had initially been posted to Germany as part of recent diplomatic appointments approved by the Federal Government, but later wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing reservations about the posting.
According to him, the request was considered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who later forwarded it to President Tinubu for final approval.
“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” Fani-Kayode said.
He explained that his decision was influenced partly by his long history of living in Europe and his desire to serve in a different environment within Africa.
“This came a few days after the initial posting to Germany was announced and after I made a formal representation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons,” he stated.
“Given the fact that I had lived in Europe most of my life, I would prefer to go to South Africa, which is a country that I had never been to and for which I have so much interest.”
Fani-Kayode also said he preferred to serve in a country whose political and foreign policy outlook was closer to his personal beliefs and pan-African views.
“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa, that has closer ties to Nigeria, and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a pan-African vision,” he added.
The former minister further revealed that the redeployment involved a swap arrangement with Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa but later opted for Germany.
According to him, the changes were handled internally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approved through official channels.
Fani-Kayode also used the opportunity to dismiss reports claiming that the German government rejected his appointment as Nigeria’s envoy.
In recent days, reports circulated on social media and some online platforms alleging that Germany declined to accept him as ambassador because of past political controversies and comments associated with him.
Reacting to the reports, the former minister described the claims as false, malicious and aimed at embarrassing both him and the Nigerian government.
“There was no rejection from Germany,” he insisted.
He said the reports were fabricated by individuals seeking to tarnish his image and create confusion around the diplomatic posting process.
Fani-Kayode disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to begin legal action against the publication responsible for the report.
He also said the matter had been reported to security agencies for investigation.
The former minister urged journalists and media organisations to verify sensitive information before publication, especially on diplomatic matters involving Nigeria’s international image.
“This type of falsehood is dangerous and damaging,” he said.
Fani-Kayode thanked President Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for approving his request and expressed readiness to represent Nigeria in South Africa.
“I look forward to serving our nation diligently in South Africa,” he added.
The development has attracted reactions from political observers and members of the public, especially because of Fani-Kayode’s long and controversial history in Nigerian politics.
Fani-Kayode served as Minister of Aviation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken political figures.
Over the years, he has been involved in major political debates and has frequently made headlines because of his strong opinions on national and international issues.
He was also a former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign before later aligning himself with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His political journey has often generated controversy, with supporters describing him as bold and outspoken, while critics accuse him of making divisive statements.
Diplomatic appointments in Nigeria are usually made by the President through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with nominees expected to represent the country’s interests abroad.
Ambassadors play important roles in promoting trade, strengthening diplomatic relations and protecting the interests of Nigerians living in foreign countries.
South Africa remains one of Nigeria’s most important diplomatic and economic partners on the African continent.
The two countries are regarded as Africa’s leading economies and often cooperate on issues relating to politics, trade, peacekeeping and regional development.
However, relations between both nations have also faced tensions in recent years, particularly over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Several Nigerians have been attacked during outbreaks of violence targeting immigrants in parts of South Africa, leading to diplomatic concerns and calls for better protection of foreign nationals.
Trade disputes and competition for economic influence in Africa have also occasionally created disagreements between the two countries.
The Federal Government has in recent months sought to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and improve the country’s image internationally through new diplomatic appointments and engagements.
President Tinubu has repeatedly stated that his administration intends to pursue economic diplomacy aimed at attracting investment, expanding trade opportunities and promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Foreign policy experts say Nigeria’s relationship with South Africa remains critical because both countries play major leadership roles within the African Union and other continental bodies.
The appointment of ambassadors is therefore seen as important in shaping how Nigeria relates with key international partners.
As of Thursday evening, there was no official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the redeployment, although Fani-Kayode maintained that all necessary approvals had been completed.