President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new 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 announcement was contained in a State House press statement issued on April 29, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has now been elevated to head the ministry as substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In the same development, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.
Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye, who hails from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
The Presidency described him as a seasoned diplomat and accomplished public servant with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service.
“Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service,” the statement read.
It added that he had previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held strategic diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
President Tinubu said the appointments form part of his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy structure and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.
“The President noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships,” Onanuga stated.
He said the new appointments are expected to deepen Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, promote regional peace, and enhance the country’s international standing.
President Tinubu also congratulated both appointees and charged them to remain focused on advancing Nigeria’s national interest.
“President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urges them to work diligently to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad,” the statement added.
The appointments signal a fresh reshuffle in the nation’s foreign affairs leadership as the administration moves to consolidate its diplomatic agenda ahead of the 2027 political season.
