President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa.
The development comes amid reports that the former minister’s earlier nomination to Germany faced opposition from the German authorities.
However, Fani-Kayode, in a statement shared via his X handle on Thursday, dismissed claims of rejection, insisting that he personally requested a redeployment from Germany to South Africa.
According to him, he was uncomfortable with the initial posting to Germany for personal reasons and preferred South Africa because of his interest in the country and its strategic position on the African continent.
“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 wrote.
Fani-Kayode explained that he made a formal representation to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, shortly after the initial announcement.
He said he expressed his desire to serve in a country whose foreign policy outlook and Pan-African orientation aligned more closely with his personal convictions.
The former minister added that South Africa’s economic strength and closer diplomatic ties with Nigeria also influenced his decision.
According to him, the foreign affairs minister considered his request favourably before forwarding it to President Tinubu for approval.
Fani-Kayode further noted that the President subsequently approved the redeployment to South Africa.
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