• Tinubu appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as foreign minister

• Predecessor Tuggar resigned to run in 2027 election

• Move part of broader foreign policy and diplomatic reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reshuffled his diplomatic leadership on Wednesday, appointing Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as foreign affairs minister. She replaces Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned after declaring his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU NAMES BIANCA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU AS MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, NOMINATES AMB. SOLA ENIKANOLAIYE AS MINISTER OF STATE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs,… pic.twitter.com/4pSUc9FDS7

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) April 29, 2026

Tuggar’s resignation, announced on March 30, followed a presidential directive requiring any official seeking elected office to step down by March 31. His departure triggered a broader reorganization of Nigeria’s diplomatic apparatus.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who previously served as minister of state for foreign affairs, will now lead Nigeria’s foreign policy as the country recalibrates its international strategy.

In a related move, Tinubu appointed Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as minister of state for foreign affairs, pending Senate confirmation. A seasoned diplomat from Kogi State, Enikanolaiye previously served as the president’s senior special adviser on foreign affairs and international relations.

According to the presidency, “these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria's foreign policy architecture for greater effectiveness, enhanced strategic engagement and stronger global partnerships.”

In February 2026, the government unveiled a revised foreign policy built around three pillars: strategic autonomy, regional stability and responsible global partnerships. The shift reflects Abuja’s push to strengthen its position as a West African power while expanding its influence within multilateral institutions.

Charlène N’dimon