Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed his redeployment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, clarifying that Bola Tinubu approved the move following a personal request.
In a statement shared on his X page, Fani-Kayode explained that he was initially posted to Germany but opted for a reassignment, citing personal considerations and a preference to serve in Africa.
“I made a formal representation… that I was not comfortable with Germany for a number of personal reasons and given the fact that I had lived in Europe most of my life I would prefer to go to South Africa,” he said.
According to him, the request was submitted through the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who subsequently forwarded it to the president for approval. The redeployment was granted, allowing him to take up the South Africa posting.
Beyond personal reasons, Fani-Kayode cited ideological alignment as a factor in his decision, noting that he preferred to serve in a country that reflects his views on Pan-Africanism and shares diplomatic values.
“I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs,” he added.
The former minister also addressed reports suggesting that Germany rejected his appointment, dismissing them as false and misleading.
“The story was not only irresponsible and insulting but was also a total and complete fabrication,” he said, adding that he has instructed his legal team to pursue defamation action against those responsible for the claims.
He maintained that no official rejection was issued by Germany and attributed the reports to a leak of diplomatic communication related to his redeployment process.
Fani-Kayode also acknowledged the role of Sam Enang, who was initially assigned to South Africa, in agreeing to a posting swap that facilitated the final arrangement.
His redeployment comes at a sensitive time in Nigeria–South Africa relations, particularly amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians living in the country. Recent reports and viral videos have highlighted protests and anti-immigrant tensions in parts of South Africa, drawing diplomatic attention.
Nigeria’s current Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, recently engaged South African authorities on the issue, meeting with Ronald Lamola following reports of harassment targeting Nigerian nationals.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals,” she stated after the engagement.
In this context, Fani-Kayode’s assignment to South Africa places him at the center of a diplomatic relationship that is both strategically important and occasionally strained. His tenure is expected to involve navigating bilateral ties, addressing citizen concerns, and strengthening cooperation between both countries.
Having previously served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Fani-Kayode brings experience in government communications and public affairs to the role.
As he prepares to assume his new diplomatic position, attention will be on how he manages a posting that carries both political significance and public sensitivity.
