President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections. Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and her elevation to the substantive position represents recognition of her diplomatic experience and continuity in Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture.
In the same vein, the president has nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation. Until his nomination, Mr Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service, having previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
The president noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships. President Tinubu congratulated the 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.
From an economic diplomacy perspective, the appointment of a seasoned diplomat as Minister of State signals continued emphasis on leveraging foreign policy for economic outcomes. Economic diplomacy—using bilateral and multilateral engagements to attract investment, expand trade, and secure development financing—has become increasingly central to Nigeria’s foreign policy. The new leadership at the ministry faces challenges including the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, management of relations with key partners, and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.
