RismadarVoice Reporters, May 7, 2026
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, stating that the reassignment followed a personal request to the Federal Government and not a rejection by Germany.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fani-Kayode disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the redeployment after he formally appealed to former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to reconsider his initial posting to Germany.
According to him, he preferred South Africa due to personal reasons, his interest in the country, and what he described as its alignment with his Pan-African foreign policy outlook and political convictions.
The former minister explained that he had spent most of his life in Europe and desired a diplomatic assignment outside the continent. He added that South Africa’s economic strength and close bilateral ties with Nigeria also influenced his decision.
Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Tuggar for approving the request and also appreciated Ita Enang, who agreed to swap postings and proceed to Germany.
He, however, dismissed reports claiming Germany rejected his nomination, describing the publication as false, malicious and defamatory.
Fani-Kayode alleged that the report was deliberately designed to tarnish his image, embarrass the Federal Government and damage his diplomatic career.
He revealed that petitions had been submitted to security agencies over the publication and that his legal team had been instructed to commence a civil suit for defamation against those responsible.
The ambassador-designate maintained that no formal rejection was ever issued by Germany and challenged those behind the report to provide documentary evidence to support their claims.
He said the statement became necessary to clarify the situation and reassure associates and supporters who had expressed concern over the reports.
Fani-Kayode added that he looks forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, a country he said he admires for its history and role on the African continent.
