Dare Babalola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Recall that Tuggar stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment was announced in a State House statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is expected to take over the leadership of the ministry as the administration moves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and foreign policy direction.
In the same development, 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.
According to the presidency, Enikanolaiye is a career diplomat with more than 30 years of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service.
He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held diplomatic assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.
The statement said the appointments formed part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy institutions for improved performance, strategic engagement and stronger international partnerships.
President Tinubu congratulated both appointees and charged them to work towards advancing Nigeria’s national interest.
He also urged them to promote economic diplomacy, support regional peace and stability, and protect the welfare of Nigerians both within the country and abroad.
