Abuja – March 7, 2026
Former Minister of Aviation and prominent political figure Femi Fani-Kayode has publicly expressed deep gratitude to God and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Fani-Kayode, who served as Aviation Minister during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was among the 65 ambassadors and high commissioners whose postings were approved by President Tinubu on March 6, 2026. The list, which includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees, was formally announced by the State House through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement, Fani-Kayode described the appointment as a “great honour” and acknowledged the President’s confidence in him to represent Nigeria in one of Europe’s most influential capitals.
“I give God the glory for my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, for this great honour that he has bestowed upon me,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
He continued: “I am truly humbled. May God lead, guide and prepare me for this new assignment and may He watch over, bless and protect my beloved homeland Nigeria now and always.”
The former minister, known for his outspoken commentary on national issues, emphasised that the role represents a significant responsibility and prayed for divine guidance as he prepares to assume duties in Berlin.
Fani-Kayode’s nomination and subsequent posting to Germany had been widely anticipated following his inclusion on the list of non-career ambassadors screened and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. His appointment to one of Nigeria’s most prestigious diplomatic missions reflects the Tinubu administration’s strategy of blending career diplomats with high-profile political figures to strengthen bilateral ties, attract investment and advance economic diplomacy in key global capitals.
Germany remains one of Nigeria’s most important European partners, with substantial trade volumes, development cooperation through agencies such as GIZ, and a large Nigerian diaspora community. The country is also a major destination for Nigerian students and a significant source of foreign direct investment in sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy and infrastructure.
The posting comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its international partnerships, deepen economic cooperation with the European Union, and secure support for key national priorities including energy transition, security sector reform and post-COVID economic recovery.
Fani-Kayode’s appointment has elicited mixed reactions on social media and in political circles. Supporters praised the choice as a recognition of his experience, eloquence and international exposure, while critics questioned the wisdom of assigning a highly polarising figure to such a sensitive diplomatic post.
The former minister has yet to comment on when he expects to present his letters of credence or begin formal duties in Berlin. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that induction training for all newly posted ambassadors and high commissioners will commence shortly, in line with President Tinubu’s directive.
Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic assignment follows a period of active political commentary and media engagement after he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in late 2025 and briefly aligned with opposition platforms before accepting the ambassadorial nomination.
The full list of 65 postings, which includes several other high-profile non-career appointees such as Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Permanent Representative to the United Nations), Reno Omokri (Mexico), Femi Fani-Kayode (Germany), and Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (China), is expected to significantly reshape Nigeria’s global diplomatic representation in the coming months.
As the ambassadors-designate prepare for induction and eventual deployment, the appointment of Femi Fani-Kayode to Germany is already generating considerable interest both within Nigeria and in bilateral circles in Berlin.
