Tinubu appoints Bianca as foreign affairs minister, Enikanolaiye as minister of state

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a seasoned diplomat, previously served as minister of state in the ministry of foreign affairs.

In a related development, the President also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as 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. He is a career diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service, including a stint as permanent secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs and diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

Describing the appointments as strategic, the Presidency said they are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and global engagement.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, stronger international partnerships, and effective economic diplomacy,” the statement read.

President Tinubu congratulated the appointees and urged them to serve with dedication and patriotism.

“You are expected to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, strengthen regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he said.