Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. The appointment was announced on April 29, 2026, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Bianca’s appointment follows the resignation of former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to focus on preparations for the 2027 Nigeria general elections.

According to the presidency, her elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service, having previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. In her new role, she is expected to lead Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, oversee foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance the country’s economic diplomacy objectives.

Reacting to her appointment in a post shared on X, Bianca expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.

“I am truly honoured to step into this new position and deeply appreciate the trust and confidence reposed in me,” she said.

She added that she looks forward to contributing to the government’s 4D Foreign Policy priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s national interests globally.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer and diplomat with extensive experience in public service and international relations. She studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School. Her academic qualifications also include a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, along with postgraduate diplomas from institutions in Spain and Costa Rica.

She previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters. Between 2012 and 2015, she was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, where she also represented the country at the United Nations World Tourism Organization. She also served as Ambassador to Ghana.

In October 2024, President Tinubu appointed her as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, where she supported Nigeria’s diplomacy, consular services, and international relations strategy.