By Our Correspondent
National News – Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his redeployment from Germany to South Africa as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate.
The announcement was made on Thursday through a statement shared on his X account.
Fani-Kayode explained that the initial diplomatic posting to Germany was changed after he formally requested a transfer through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to him, he preferred South Africa because of his strong interest in the country, its economic importance in Africa, and its political alignment with his pan-African foreign policy views.
The former minister stated that Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar reviewed and approved the request before forwarding it to President Tinubu for final approval.
He said the process was completed after careful consideration of his personal reasons for declining the Germany assignment.
Fani-Kayode also disclosed that the diplomatic reshuffle involved a swap arrangement with Senator Sam Enang, who was originally posted to South Africa but later chose Germany instead.
He described the adjustment as a routine administrative decision within Nigeria’s foreign service structure.
Addressing rumours surrounding his appointment, Fani-Kayode denied reports claiming Germany rejected him as Nigeria’s envoy.
He described the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
According to him, no official communication rejecting his nomination was issued by the German government.
The former minister further revealed that he had instructed his lawyers to begin legal action against individuals and media platforms responsible for spreading the report.
He also said security agencies had been notified to investigate the claims.
Fani-Kayode thanked President Tinubu and the foreign affairs minister for approving the redeployment and expressed readiness to represent Nigeria in South Africa.
He added that he looks forward to strengthening diplomatic relations, trade cooperation, and political ties between both African nations.
