Tinubu Hands Bianca Key Foreign Affairs Portfolio, Unveils New Minister Of State

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 ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

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 ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Before her elevation, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Her appointment now places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic affairs.

President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the Senate.

Prior to his nomination, Enikanolaiye, an indigene of Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

A veteran diplomat with more than 30 years of service, Enikanolaiye has built an extensive career in Nigeria’s foreign service, including his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

According to the presidency, the appointments form part of broader efforts to strengthen and reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for improved efficiency, deeper strategic engagement, and stronger international partnerships.

President Tinubu congratulated both appointees and charged them with advancing Nigeria’s national interests, boosting economic diplomacy, promoting regional peace, and protecting the welfare of Nigerians both within the country and overseas.