President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs as part of a strategic reshuffle aimed at strengthening the nation’s diplomatic engagements and foreign policy direction.
The appointment follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down from office to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Until her latest elevation, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, where she played a prominent role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests and fostering international cooperation.
Her appointment as substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs is widely viewed as a recognition of her experience, commitment, and contributions to the country’s foreign relations.
In a related development, President Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye, an accomplished diplomat from Kogi State, currently serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
With more than three decades of distinguished service in Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, he is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced foreign policy experts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ambassador Enikanolaiye has held several strategic positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also represented Nigeria in key diplomatic missions across the world, serving in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi, where he contributed significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s international relations and bilateral partnerships.
According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework towards greater effectiveness, strategic global engagement, and enhanced international cooperation.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in the ability of the newly appointed officials to provide visionary leadership in the nation’s foreign affairs sector. He charged them to remain committed to promoting Nigeria’s national interest, deepening economic diplomacy, strengthening regional and international stability, and protecting the welfare of Nigerians across the globe.
The President also congratulated both Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye on their appointments, describing them as seasoned professionals whose wealth of experience would further advance Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
The appointments were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
