President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has carried out a major reshuffle in Nigeria’s foreign affairs leadership by appointing Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The move comes as Tuggar reportedly stepped down from office to actively pursue his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, creating a significant vacancy in one of the nation’s most strategic ministries.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who until now served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has been elevated to take full charge of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements across the world. Her appointment is seen as a strategic decision by the Presidency, considering her experience in international relations, diplomacy, and government service.
As the daughter of the late nationalist icon, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca has remained a prominent voice in national affairs and has represented Nigeria in several diplomatic and political capacities over the years. Her elevation signals continuity and confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy direction.
In the same development, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the Senate.
Before this nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. A highly respected diplomat, he has over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced foreign policy experts.
He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held several important diplomatic assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi—positions that gave him deep exposure to global diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of a broader effort to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, stronger international influence, and improved strategic partnerships across Africa and the wider global community.
President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy must be aligned with national development goals, especially in areas such as economic diplomacy, regional peace, investment attraction, and the protection of Nigerians living abroad.
He urged both appointees to work with diligence, patriotism, and commitment in advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage while also strengthening regional stability and international cooperation.
Political observers believe the appointments may also shape Nigeria’s diplomatic posture ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as the administration seeks to consolidate international confidence and strengthen bilateral relations with key global partners.
The announcement was made in an official State House press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on April 29, 2026.
