President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Tuggar is reported to have stepped down from the position to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Until her elevation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, a role in which she was actively involved in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
In a related move, the President nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Enikanolaiye, who hails from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
A career diplomat, Enikanolaiye brings over 30 years of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service. He has held key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and served in several diplomatic missions across Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
According to Onanuga, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, enhance strategic international partnerships, and improve efficiency in diplomatic operations.
The President congratulated the appointees and charged them to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest, deepen economic diplomacy, promote regional peace, and protect the welfare of citizens both at home and abroad.