Tinubu Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister

Abuja, 29 April 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, the State House announced today.

The appointment follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to contest the 2027 general elections. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State in the same ministry, takes over the senior role with immediate effect.

In a related move, President Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Until now, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, who hails from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

A career diplomat with more than 30 years’ experience in Nigeria’s foreign service, Ambassador Enikanolaiye has held several senior positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also served in key diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

In a statement, President Tinubu described the appointments as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture.

“These changes are designed to deliver greater efficiency, more strategic engagement and stronger global partnerships,” the President said. He congratulated both appointees and urged 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.”