By Paul Joseph
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Tuggar stepped down from the federal cabinet to pursue his ambition of contesting the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State, a move seen as an early sign of political realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The development was confirmed in a State House statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the appointment of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu takes immediate effect as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic leadership.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, now assumes full responsibility for steering Nigeria’s foreign policy at a time marked by shifting global alliances, economic challenges, and security concerns across West Africa.
In a related move, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the National Assembly. Enikanolaiye is a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of experience, having served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
The presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency, stronger international engagement, and improved global partnerships.
Tinubu also charged the new appointees with advancing Nigeria’s national interests, promoting economic diplomacy, strengthening regional stability, and ensuring the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
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