President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

It follows the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who reportedly stepped down to pursue political preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, the elevation of Odumegwu-Ojukwu represents a return to a more senior position within Nigeria’s foreign service structure, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In her new role, she is expected to lead Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, steer foreign policy priorities, strengthen international partnerships, and promote the country’s economic diplomacy agenda.

“President Bola Ahmed 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.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement read.

The Presidency said the decision is part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for improved efficiency and stronger global engagement.

It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, advance Nigeria’s national interests, and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Sola Enikanolaiye, who hails from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

A career diplomat with over 30 years of experience, he has held various postings in Nigeria’s foreign service, including assignments in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.