Tinubu Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister, Enikanolaiye as Minister of State
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye from Kogi State as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
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 political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment was announced in a State House press release issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Before her elevation, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, where she played a key role in supporting Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international relations initiatives.
In the same development, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, an indigene of Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
The Presidency described Enikanolaiye as a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of distinguished service in Nigeria’s foreign service. His career includes service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as diplomatic assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
According to the President, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy framework and enhance the nation’s strategic engagement on the global stage.
President Tinubu said the changes are aimed at improving efficiency in the conduct of foreign affairs, deepening Nigeria’s international partnerships, and advancing the country’s economic diplomacy agenda.
He congratulated both appointees and urged them to remain committed to promoting Nigeria’s national interest, strengthening regional stability, and protecting the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
The appointment of Ambassador Enikanolaiye is expected to draw attention in Kogi State, where his emergence into the federal cabinet is seen as a significant recognition of the state’s contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
With the reshuffle, the administration is expected to intensify efforts to reposition the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet evolving diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical demands.