President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who reportedly stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, confirming a reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic structure.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, now assumes the role of substantive minister as the federal government moves to reposition its foreign policy direction.
Her appointment marks a return to a key leadership position within Nigeria’s diplomatic hierarchy, where she has been actively involved in international relations and state representation.
In the same development, the president also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending Senate confirmation.
Enikanolaiye, a seasoned diplomat from Kogi State, currently serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He brings more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service.
His career includes senior postings in cities such as Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi, as well as service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships and improve strategic engagement with international stakeholders.
Tinubu congratulated both appointees and charged them to prioritize Nigeria’s national interest, deepen economic diplomacy, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a key focus of their work.
The changes come at a time when Nigeria is seeking to expand its international influence and attract more foreign investment through enhanced diplomatic outreach.
With Odumegwu-Ojukwu now at the helm of the ministry, attention will shift to how the new leadership structure shapes Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities in the coming months.
