Tinubu redeploys Fani-Kayode as ambassador-designate to South Africa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of the Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa.

Fani-Kayode disclosed that the approval followed his formal request to be redeployed from Germany, where he was initially posted.

The former minister made this known in a statement on Thursday, May 7, 2026, revealing that he appealed to the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, citing personal reasons and his preference to serve in South Africa.

He said his interest in South Africa was influenced by the country’s economic importance in Africa, its close ties with Nigeria, and what he described as shared convictions on foreign policy and Pan-African ideals.

Fani-Kayode stated: “ 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 which is a country that I had never been to and for which I have so much interest.

“I also expressed the fact that I would rather serve in a country that shares some of my convictions, beilefs 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 former minister expressed appreciation to Tinubu and Tuggar for granting his request, while also thanking Sam Enang, who he said agreed to swap postings by taking the Germany assignment.

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Fani-Kayode also dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his diplomatic nomination, describing the claims as false and malicious.

Fani-Kayode said: “I take this opportunity to once again confirm that this was my choice and that Germany NEVER rejected me, which was a fake report that was published in an irresponsible online magazine that thrives on sensationslism, lies and blackmail.

“Their story was not only irresponsible and insulting but was also a total and complete fabrication based on hearsay, beer parlour talk and cheap gossip and designed to embarass my goodself, the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our findings after a preliminary investigation was that the story was not only sponsored but was also written with malicious intent and designed to hurt and destroy my career and bring me into both national and international opprobium and disrepute.”

The ambassador-designate maintained that no formal rejection was issued by Germany and challenged those behind the report to provide documentary evidence to support their claims.

Fani-Kayode said he looks forward to serving Nigeria in South Africa, describing the country as one he deeply admires and respects for its history and role on the African continent.

The latest development comes amidst reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and others in South Africa.