President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, Bayo Onanuga, who said the changes are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and foreign policy direction.
According to the Presidency, Tuggar stepped down from office to focus on his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, joining a growing number of public officials repositioning for future contests.
Before her new appointment, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, where she played key roles in diplomatic negotiations, bilateral engagements, and policy discussions affecting Nigeria’s international relations.
Her elevation places her at the centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy management at a time of growing regional security concerns, shifting global trade patterns, and increased competition for strategic international partnerships.
Nigeria has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, investment, trade, migration management, and regional peacebuilding across West Africa and the African continent.
In a related development, President Tinubu also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Enikanolaiye, who is from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations and is widely recognised as a career diplomat with over three decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service.
His career includes service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
The Presidency said the appointments align with the administration’s broader goal of strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy, deepening economic diplomacy, and improving engagement with global partners.
President Tinubu also directed the new appointees to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest, improve consular support for Nigerians abroad, and promote regional peace and stability, especially as West Africa continues to face terrorism, cross-border crime, and political instability.
The Senate is expected to consider Enikanolaiye’s nomination in line with constitutional procedures for ministerial appointments.
