Tinubu elevates Bianca Ojukwu to foreign minister, appoints new minister of state

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu takes over from Yusuf Tuggar, who recently resigned from the position to pursue the Bauchi State governorship race ahead of the 2027 elections.

The appointment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s foreign policy leadership, as Odumegwu-Ojukwu brings her experience in diplomacy and public service to the role.

Sola Enikanolaiye has been appointed as the new minister of state in the foreign ministry.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as minister of state for foreign affairs before her elevation.

Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye, from Kogi state, served as senior special assistant to the president on foreign affairs and international relations

He is a career diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service.

He has previously served as permanent secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs and held diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

Tinubu said the appointments are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture, improve efficiency and deepen global engagement.

He urged the appointees to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, strengthen regional stability and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

“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,” the statement reads.