The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Friday, 8 May 2026, officially assumed duty following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirming the administration’s 4-Ds Foreign Policy agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
According to a press statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, the Minister’s assumption of office marks a renewed phase in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and foreign policy direction under the current administration.
On arrival at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister was received by senior management staff led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside Directors-General of key agencies under the Ministry, including the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Technical Aid Corps, and the Foreign Service Academy.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary congratulated the Minister on her appointment, describing it as a reflection of her professionalism and dedication to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
He noted that her previous service as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs demonstrated strong leadership and continuity, expressing confidence in her capacity to deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and global partnerships.
He further assured her of the Ministry’s full cooperation in advancing national interests, including strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, protecting Nigerians abroad, attracting foreign investment, and promoting peace, security, and development.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of key agencies under the Ministry, as well as the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Olawale Emmanuel Awe, all pledging collaboration and institutional support for the success of the new leadership.
In her remarks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the gains of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Tinubu administration.
She emphasized the full implementation of the 4-Ds agenda, noting that citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy would remain central to Nigeria’s global engagement.
She also underscored the importance of professionalism, innovation, institutional efficiency, and unity of purpose in addressing emerging global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s interests across regional, continental, and international platforms.
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The Minister commended staff of the Ministry for their dedication and sacrifices, pledging improved welfare and effective service delivery.
She concluded by committing to close collaboration with the Permanent Secretary, management, staff, and all agencies under the Ministry to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and enhanced protection of citizens abroad.
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