President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, while also nominating Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.
The appointments were announced on Wednesday in a statement from the Presidency, which said the changes form part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and support the administration’s foreign policy direction.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to take charge of the country’s foreign affairs ministry at a time Nigeria is pursuing stronger international partnerships, regional cooperation and economic diplomacy.
Her appointment follows the exit of Tuggar, who stepped down ahead of an expected political move linked to the 2027 elections.
With the appointment, Odumegwu-Ojukwu returns to a familiar diplomatic space, having previously served in government and represented Nigeria in foreign missions. Her experience in diplomacy and international relations is expected to shape the country’s external engagements in the new role.
The Presidency said the changes are aimed at improving Nigeria’s foreign policy operations and strengthening the country’s presence on the global stage.
Alongside her appointment, Tinubu nominated Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. His nomination will still require approval by the Senate before taking effect.
Enikanolaiye is a career diplomat with years of service in Nigeria’s foreign service and has held assignments in several international capitals, including Addis Ababa, London, Ottawa, Belgrade and New Delhi.
He has also served in roles connected to the Presidency on foreign affairs and international relations, a background seen as adding experience to the ministry’s leadership.
The appointments signal a fresh adjustment in the foreign affairs ministry as the government seeks to align diplomacy with broader economic and strategic goals.
The Presidency said both appointments are intended to support stronger international engagement while advancing national interests abroad.
Tinubu also urged the appointees to focus on protecting Nigeria’s interests, strengthening economic diplomacy and improving support for Nigerians living outside the country.
The changes come at a time Nigeria is managing diplomatic priorities across Africa and beyond, including trade, regional stability, security cooperation and foreign investment.
Political and diplomatic observers say the appointments could shape the next phase of Nigeria’s external relations, especially as the administration continues efforts to deepen international partnerships.
If confirmed by the Senate, Enikanolaiye will join Odumegwu-Ojukwu in leading the foreign affairs ministry as the government moves to reposition the country’s diplomatic engagement.