President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of Foreign Affairs, marking a significant shake-up of his administration's diplomatic team. The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Yusuf Tuggar Resigns for 2027 Ambition
Former Minister Yusuf Tuggar stepped down to pursue the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections. His departure is the first high-profile exit following the presidency's March 31 deadline for political appointees with electoral ambitions. Tuggar had led the ministry since August 2023.
New Diplomatic Team
As part of the reshuffle, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending Senate confirmation. Enikanolaiye, a career diplomat from Kogi State, brings over 30 years of experience in the Nigerian Foreign Service. He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations and held postings in London, Ottawa, and New Delhi.
Who is Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu?
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is widely known as a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) and the widow of the late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. She has served as Nigeria's Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs and held key ambassadorial postings to Ghana and Spain. A trained lawyer with a degree from the University of Nigeria (UNN), she also holds a Master's degree in international relations from Spain.
Strategic Implications
The new duo of Ojukwu and Enikanolaiye is expected to lead Nigeria's efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen global partnerships. With Tuggar entering the 2027 race, the administration aims to maintain continuity and technical stability in its foreign policy direction.
