President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the departure of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Tuggar stepped down from the role to focus on his participation in the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election in his native Bauchi State.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the news in a statement released on Wednesday.
Before this elevation, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu served within the same ministry as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
She is a well-known figure in Nigerian politics and diplomacy, having previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain.
Furthermore, she is the widow of the late Biafran wartime leader, Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, which adds significant historical weight to her public profile.
The Presidency explained that these changes are vital for the country’s international standing.
The statement reads, “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.”
New Leadership At The Foreign Ministry
To fill the vacancy left by Ojukwu’s promotion, the President nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
This nomination is now subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Enikanolaiye comes to the job with a deep background in international relations.
Until this week, he worked as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
Hailing from Kogi State, Enikanolaiye is described as a seasoned public servant. He has spent over 30 years working within Nigeria’s foreign service.
His career includes a high-ranking stint as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This experience makes him an expert in the ministry’s daily operations.
Moreover, his previous diplomatic postings include major world capitals such as London, Ottawa, New Delhi, Addis Ababa, and Belgrade.
The President expressed confidence in his ability to handle the complexities of global diplomacy during this transitional period.
International Recognition From Israel
The appointment has already caught the attention of the international community iwth Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, perhaps the first, to send greetings.
Saar sent a message to Ojukwu late Wednesday. He mentioned the historical and cultural ties between the two nations as a foundation for future work.
The Israeli official shared his excitement on social media shortly after the news broke in Abuja.
Saar wrote, “My warmest congratulations to @Ojukwu_Bianca on your appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I look forward to working with you to deepen the relations between our nations and advance cooperation between our countries.”
This early outreach suggests a desire for stronger bilateral ties. Israel and Nigeria have a long history of cooperation in agriculture and security technology.
President Tinubu expects the new team to build on these existing relationships while finding new avenues for economic growth.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will now pivot toward what the President calls economic diplomacy.
Strategic Goals For Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
The President has set clear tasks for his new appointees. He wants them to focus on the welfare of Nigerians living in the diaspora.
Additionally, they must work to ensure regional stability within the West African sub-region. This is a priority given recent political shifts in neighboring countries.
The President wants the team to work hard. He believes their efforts will promote the national interest on the global stage.
He specifically asked them to advance economic diplomacy. This involves using foreign relations to attract investments and create jobs at home.
Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to screen Ambassador Enikanolaiye in the coming days. His confirmation would complete the new leadership structure at the ministry.
The departure of Yusuf Tuggar marks a shift toward the 2027 political season. Several federal executive officials have equally resigned from Tinubu’s cabinet to focus on their political ambitions for the next electoral cycle.
However, the administration says it remains focused on its immediate international obligations and global partnerships.
A Vision For Global Partnerships
The reshuffle is intended to bring fresh energy to Nigeria’s interactions with the United Nations and other global bodies.
The President believes that having a substantive Minister with Ojukwu’s experience will provide much-needed continuity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is often the first point of contact for foreign investors. Therefore, efficiency in this department is a top priority for the government.
Nigeria currently faces various challenges that require strong diplomatic intervention. These include trade disputes and the protection of citizens abroad.
The President’s choice of a career diplomat like Enikanolaiye to support Ojukwu shows a preference for technical expertise.
The government maintains that these steps will safeguard the welfare of Nigerians everywhere.
With her background in Spain and her previous role as Minister of State, Ojukwu is expected to hit the ground running immediately.
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