Tinubu Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister, Nominates Enikanolaiye As Deputy
President Tinubu appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Foreign Affairs Minister, nominates Sola Enikanolaiye, in major diplomatic restructuring move.
President Tinubu appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Foreign Affairs Minister, nominates Sola Enikanolaiye, in major diplomatic restructuring move.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a major cabinet adjustment aimed at strengthening the country’s diplomatic leadership.
The announcement follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down from office to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement posted on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency confirmed the development and outlined the latest appointments.
The statement added that Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, brings continuity and experience to the leadership of Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery.
The President also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.
The statement further noted:“Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.”
Describing his background, the presidency said:“Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service. He has previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.”
According to the presidency, the appointments are part of broader reforms to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy direction for greater efficiency and strategic global engagement.
The statement also conveyed President Tinubu’s charge to the new appointees:
“The President noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships.”
It further added:“President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urges 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.”
