Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following a redeployment request from his earlier proposed posting to Germany.
Fani-Kayode explained that his preference for South Africa was based on the country’s strategic relationship with Nigeria, its status as one of Africa’s largest economies, and what he described as his strong pan-African convictions.
He also dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his nomination, describing the claims as “false,” “malicious,” and “a total fabrication” aimed at damaging his reputation.
According to him, there was never any formal rejection from the German government, adding that the reports were sponsored attempts to spread misinformation and cheap gossip.
The former minister disclosed that he has already petitioned security agencies over the publication and instructed his legal team to begin defamation proceedings against the online platform responsible for the report.
Fani-Kayode further revealed that the diplomatic swap was arranged with Sam Enang, who will now assume the Germany posting.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar for approving the redeployment request.
The ambassador-designate said he looks forward to representing Nigeria in South Africa and strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
