President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following his earlier nomination for a diplomatic posting to Germany.
The development was disclosed by Fani-Kayode in a statement shared via his official X account, where he explained that the change in posting was based on his personal request and not due to any diplomatic rejection.
According to the former Minister of Aviation, he formally appealed to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, requesting a redeployment from Germany to South Africa shortly after the initial ambassadorial announcement.
Fani-Kayode stated that he preferred South Africa because of his interest in the country, its strategic role on the African continent, and what he described as shared ideological and political values with Nigeria concerning foreign affairs and Pan-African cooperation.
He said:
“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr. President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.”
The former minister further clarified that he voluntarily opted out of the German posting, noting that he had spent a significant part of his life in Europe and wanted a diplomatic assignment within Africa.
According to him, South Africa aligns more closely with his foreign policy beliefs and broader Pan-African vision.
He added:
“I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beliefs and values when it comes to world affairs, that has the biggest economy in Africa, that has closer ties to Nigeria and that is more proximate to my political thinking when it comes to foreign affairs and a Pan-African vision.”
The ambassadorial redeployment comes amid reports circulating on social media claiming that the German government allegedly rejected Fani-Kayode’s nomination. However, the former minister dismissed such claims by insisting that the decision to seek redeployment was entirely his own.
Political analysts believe the move could strengthen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s leading economies with significant influence on continental politics, trade, and regional security.
The diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has experienced both cooperation and tensions over the years, particularly concerning trade relations, migration issues, and regional leadership within Africa.
Observers say Fani-Kayode’s appointment may further deepen bilateral engagement between both nations if officially confirmed after the completion of all diplomatic procedures.