Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prime Business Africa reports.
The announcement was contained in a State House press release issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Swears in Darma as Housing Minister
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has now been elevated to lead the ministry at a time when Nigeria is seeking to recalibrate its diplomatic engagements amid shifting global and regional dynamics.
Before her latest appointment, she held the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, where she played a visible role in Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach and international engagements. She also previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, building a profile in both diplomatic and cultural representation.
Her elevation is seen as a move to ensure continuity within the foreign ministry, with the presidency appearing to favour experience and institutional familiarity in managing Nigeria’s external relations.
Her predecessor, Yusuf Tuggar, was said by the presidency to have resigned voluntarily to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. During his tenure, he prioritised economic diplomacy and worked to bolster Nigeria’s presence in multilateral platforms, with particular emphasis on engagements across Africa and emerging global alliances.
READ ALSO: 2027: Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar Resigns Amid Other Tinubu Cabinet Exodus
In a related development, President Tinubu nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.
Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. A career diplomat with more than three decades of service, he previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.
The presidency said the appointments form part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, stronger strategic engagement, and deeper global partnerships.
Observers say the combination of Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s political and diplomatic background and Enikanolaiye’s technocratic experience could provide a balance between political leadership and institutional expertise in the ministry.
The new leadership is expected to prioritise economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment, regional peace and security, and the welfare of Nigerians abroad, as Nigeria navigates an increasingly complex global environment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
