Femi Fani Kayode

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has announced his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following a successful request for redeployment from his initial assignment to Germany.

In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved the change after a formal representation was made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Strategic Swap and Rationale

The envoy-designate clarified that the adjustment involved a mutual swap arrangement with Senator Sam Enang. While Enang was originally slated for South Africa, he opted for the German posting, facilitating Fani-Kayode’s move to Pretoria.

Fani-Kayode cited personal preferences and a desire to contribute to a "pan-African vision" as the primary drivers for the request.

"I expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions... that has the biggest economy in Africa, closer ties to Nigeria, and is more proximate to my political thinking regarding foreign affairs," he stated.

Rejection Claims Refuted

Addressing recent media speculation, the former minister categorically denied reports suggesting the German government had rejected his initial appointment. He described such allegations as "false and malicious," asserting that they were designed to embarrass the Federal Government and damage his reputation.

Actions taken regarding the reports include:

Legal Recourse: Instructing legal counsel to pursue litigation against the publishers of the claims.

Security Reporting: Formally reporting the matter to relevant security agencies.

Media Advisory: Urging media outlets to verify diplomatic developments with official sources before publication.

Outlook

Fani-Kayode expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, for their consideration of his request. He noted that he looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, focusing on shared economic interests and continental leadership.