Tinubu appoints Bianca as foreign affairs minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is expected to take over leadership of the ministry as the administration moves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international relations.

In a related development, the President also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

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Before his nomination, Enikanolaiye, an indigene of Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Enikanolaiye is a seasoned diplomat and accomplished public servant with more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service.

The statement noted that he had previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held several strategic diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

President Tinubu said the appointments form part of ongoing efforts by his administration to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for improved efficiency, strategic engagement and stronger global partnerships.

The President expressed confidence in the capacity of the new appointees to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage and strengthen the country’s voice in regional and international affairs.

He also charged them to work diligently in promoting Nigeria’s national interest, deepening economic diplomacy, fostering regional peace and stability, and ensuring the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

The latest changes in the foreign affairs ministry come at a time Nigeria is seeking stronger economic ties, expanded trade opportunities and greater influence in continental and global diplomacy.