President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of Foreign Affairs, elevating her from her previous role as Minister of State in the same ministry.
The elevation follows the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the President has also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation. Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, widow of late statesman Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and Italy before her appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in 2023.
Tuggar, who had held the position of Foreign Affairs Minister since August 2023, resigned in line with a presidential directive requiring ministers with political ambitions to step down before March 31.
Enikanolaiye brings over three decades of diplomatic experience, having served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
Tinubu said the appointments are part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, stronger global partnerships, and enhanced strategic engagement. He urged both appointees to promote national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and protect the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.
Elijah Adeyemi
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