Tinubu upgrades Odumegwu-Ojukwu as substantive Foreign Affairs minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday upgraded Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs. The upgrade from the position of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs followed
- ‘Confirm Enikanolaiye as minister of state’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday upgraded Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The upgrade from the position of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs followed the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Bauchi State.
The President also nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to take over the leadership of Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery at a time the administration is intensifying efforts to deepen diplomatic engagements and expand economic partnerships globally.
Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
A career diplomat, he brings over three decades of experience in Nigeria’s Foreign Service, having held several strategic positions.
His diplomatic career includes service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic postings to key international missions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Belgrade in Serbia; Ottawa in Canada, London in United Kingdom (UK); and New Delhi, India.
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Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga confirmed the appointments in a statement yesterday.
He described them part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships.
The statement noted that the reshuffle aligns with the administration’s drive to strengthen economic diplomacy, promote regional stability, and enhance Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
He said the President congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and patriotism, emphasising the importance of advancing Nigeria’s national interest.
The statement reads: “He (President) charged them to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, while also leveraging diplomatic channels to attract investments and foster mutually beneficial international collaborations”.
