President Bola Tinubu has elevated Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, promoting her from her previous role as Minister of State within the same ministry.
The appointment follows the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Tinubu has also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending Senate confirmation. Enikanolaiye previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, widow of former Biafran leader Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, brings significant diplomatic experience to her new role. She has served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and later Italy, before being appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in 2023.
Tuggar, who had held the Foreign Affairs portfolio since August 2023, resigned in line with a March directive from the Presidency mandating ministers with political ambitions to step down before March 31.
Enikanolaiye, a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience, has held key positions including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
Tinubu stated that the appointments are part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy for improved efficiency, stronger global partnerships, and strategic engagement. He charged the new appointees with promoting national interest, advancing economic diplomacy, fostering regional stability, and protecting Nigerians at home and abroad.
