President Bola Tinubu has elevated Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, moving her up from her previous role as Minister of State in the same ministry.
Her appointment follows the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Alongside the elevation, the President also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the Senate. Before his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu brings significant diplomatic experience to the role. She previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and Italy before joining the current administration in 2023 as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. She is also the widow of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Read Also;
Tinubu Vows Crackdown on Plateau Killings, Approves N2bn Relief for Victims
Tuggar, who had held the position since August 2023, resigned in line with a federal directive requiring ministers with political ambitions to step down before the end of March 2026.
Enikanolaiye, on his part, has over three decades of experience in diplomacy, including roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in cities such as Addis Ababa, London, Ottawa, Belgrade, and New Delhi.
The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy direction, improve international engagement, and promote national interests globally.
Tinubu urged both appointees to focus on advancing economic diplomacy, building strategic partnerships, ensuring regional stability, and protecting the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
