Tinubu elevates Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nominates Enikanolaiye as minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

 

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

 

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, now takes over the leadership of the ministry after Tuggar stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

In a related move, the President nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new 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.

 

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and Italy, was first appointed into the ministry in 2023 and has since played a role in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.

 

Enikanolaiye brings over three decades of experience in diplomacy and public service, having served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

 

Tinubu said the appointments form part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy for greater efficiency and strategic impact.

 

He charged the new minister and minister-designate to advance Nigeria’s national interest, deepen economic diplomacy, strengthen regional stability, and protect the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

 

The reshuffle follows a directive issued earlier by the Presidency mandating ministers with political ambitions to resign on or before March 31, 2026.