President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, promoting her from her previous role as Minister of State in 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.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency also announced the nomination of Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Before his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations and brings over three decades of diplomatic experience to the role. He has held several key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former ambassador to Spain and Italy, was first appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in 2023. She is also the widow of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Tuggar had served as Foreign Affairs minister since August 2023 before his resignation, which aligns with a directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
President Tinubu said the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, enhance strategic global engagement, and promote economic diplomacy. He charged the new appointees with advancing national interests, fostering regional stability, and protecting Nigerians at home and abroad.
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