By Ranti Thomas
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that he will now serve as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa after requesting a change from his earlier posting to Germany.
The former minister said the redeployment followed a personal appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explaining that he preferred an African posting over returning to Europe, where he had spent much of his life.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the request after it was reviewed by the foreign affairs ministry.
Fani-Kayode stated that he was particularly interested in serving in South Africa because of the country’s influence on the continent and its strong ties with Nigeria.
He also revealed that the adjustment involved a swap arrangement with another ambassadorial nominee who had initially been assigned to South Africa before agreeing to take the Germany posting instead.
The development comes after online reports claimed Germany had rejected his nomination, an allegation the former minister strongly denied.
He described the reports as false and politically motivated, insisting that no formal rejection was ever issued by German authorities.
Fani-Kayode further disclosed that he has instructed his lawyers to begin legal action against those behind the reports, maintaining that the story was designed to damage his reputation and embarrass the government.
Political observers say the redeployment highlights the level of influence and negotiation sometimes involved in diplomatic appointments.
With the posting now confirmed, attention is expected to shift toward how the former minister handles his new diplomatic role in one of Africa’s most important bilateral relationships.