President Bola Tinubu has announced a major shake-up in Nigeria’s foreign affairs leadership, appointing Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, returns to the cabinet with expanded responsibilities at a time Nigeria is recalibrating its global diplomatic strategy.
The Presidency also confirmed the nomination of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending Senate confirmation.
Before his elevation, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, playing a key role in shaping Nigeria’s external engagements.
A career diplomat from Kogi State, he brings over 30 years of experience in the foreign service, having held senior postings in cities including Addis Ababa, London, Ottawa, Belgrade and New Delhi.
His appointment is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery and improve coordination across key international partnerships.
According to the Presidency, the reshuffle is aimed at repositioning the country’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency, stronger economic diplomacy, and deeper regional cooperation.
Tinubu congratulated both appointees and charged them to prioritise national interest, improve Nigeria’s global standing, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad while advancing strategic international relationships.
