Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode says he personally requested to be redeployed as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate in South Africa instead of Germany, dismissing reports that he was rejected by German authorities.
President Bola Tinubu approved the new posting on Thursday, according to Fani-Kayode, following challenges that emerged with the earlier Germany nomination.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Fani-Kayode said he had informed then-Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar that he was uncomfortable with the Germany assignment due to personal considerations.
“I formally applied for redeployment shortly after the initial announcement and Tuggar subsequently forwarded the request to the President for approval,” he wrote.
The former minister explained that having spent most of his life in Europe, he preferred a diplomatic role outside the continent.
He chose South Africa because of his interest in the country’s political outlook and its position as Africa’s most advanced economy.
“South Africa’s economic standing in Africa, its relationship with Nigeria and its Pan-African foreign policy orientation influenced my decision,” he added.
Fani-Kayode said he was pleased with the president’s approval.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa,” he wrote.
The redeployment comes after earlier reports suggested Berlin had raised objections to his nomination, a claim Fani-Kayode has now publicly rejected.
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