Tinubu Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Foreign Affairs Minister, Names Enikanolaiye Minister of State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Before her elevation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and is now expected to take full charge of the ministry’s operations and Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements across the world.

In the same vein, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

A seasoned career diplomat with over three decades of service, Enikanolaiye has held several strategic positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also served in various diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy direction, enhance strategic global engagement, and deepen international partnerships.

President Tinubu congratulated both appointees and charged them to prioritise national interest, promote economic diplomacy, support regional stability, and protect the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.