Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode says President Bola Tinubu has approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate from Germany to South Africa, following a formal request for a change of posting.

Fani-Kayode disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X handle, explaining that his initial nomination to head Nigeria’s mission in Germany was reviewed after he wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing his reservations.

He said he informed the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that he was “not comfortable” with the German posting for personal reasons, including the fact that he had spent much of his life in Europe and preferred to serve in a different environment.

According to him, South Africa offered a more compelling fit, both personally and politically. He described the country as one whose outlook on global affairs, pan-Africanism and economic cooperation aligns more closely with his own convictions and values.

Fani-Kayode also highlighted South Africa’s status as Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key strategic partner for Nigeria, arguing that the posting would allow him to contribute more effectively to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional interests.

He revealed that the adjustment was implemented through a swap arrangement with Senator Ita Enang, who had originally been designated for South Africa but opted instead to take up the German posting.

Fani-Kayode firmly rejected reports circulating on some platforms that Germany had declined to accept his nomination, describing such claims as “false, malicious and mischievous.” He insisted there was no formal rejection from Berlin and maintained that the only change to his status arose from his own request for redeployment.

The former minister said he had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal action against the outlet that published the report, adding that he had also drawn the attention of relevant security agencies to what he called a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and embarrass the Nigerian government.

He urged media organisations to verify sensitive diplomatic information before publication, warning that inaccurate reports could undermine both personal reputations and the country’s foreign policy objectives.

Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for considering and approving his request, saying he looks forward to representing Nigeria in Pretoria and deepening relations between the two leading African nations.