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 announcement was contained in a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. Tuggar reportedly stepped down from the position to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is expected to take over the leadership of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements at a critical time in the country’s foreign policy direction.
In a related development, President Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the Senate.
Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. A career diplomat, he brings over three decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service, including roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
According to Onanuga, the latest appointments are part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy framework.
“The President noted that the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships,” the statement read.
The presidential aide added that Tinubu has charged the new appointees to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest.
“President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urged them to work diligently to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad,” Onanuga said.
The appointments signal a renewed push by the administration to enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and strengthen international relations.
