Appointment follows resignation of former minister Yusuf Tuggar as Nigeria seeks to strengthen foreign policy direction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, marking a key change in the country’s diplomatic leadership.
The appointment, announced on April 29, 2026, follows the resignation of former minister Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is now tasked with leading Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda, including managing international relations, promoting economic diplomacy, and strengthening global partnerships.
In a related development, the President nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation. Enikanolaiye, a career diplomat, has held several senior roles including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings across major global capitals.
According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for improved efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger international cooperation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu brings decades of diplomatic and public service experience, having previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain and in other international roles, positioning her as a seasoned figure in the country’s foreign service.
The leadership change signals a renewed push to recalibrate Nigeria’s global engagement strategy as the country navigates evolving regional and international dynamics.