Bianca Ojukwu assumes office as Foreign Affairs Minister

Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Friday officially resumed duty at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, her appointment reflects the confidence of the Federal Government in her leadership capacity, diplomatic experience, and ability to strengthen Nigeria’s international engagements.

She was formally received at the ministry by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, who congratulated her on her elevation and described the appointment as a recognition of her commitment to national service. He expressed optimism that she would deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and enhance the country’s global standing.

Ambassador Ahmed assured her of the ministry’s full cooperation in implementing government foreign policy objectives, including the protection of Nigerians abroad, attraction of foreign investment, and strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations.

In her remarks, Bianca Ojukwu appreciated the warm reception extended to her by the ministry’s management and staff. She pledged to build on existing diplomatic achievements under the Tinubu administration and advance Nigeria’s foreign policy direction.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the implementation of the 4D Foreign Policy framework—Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography—describing it as central to Nigeria’s international engagement strategy.

The minister also emphasised the importance of citizen diplomacy, professionalism, strategic autonomy, and institutional efficiency in addressing global challenges and protecting Nigeria’s interests abroad.

She further pledged to prioritise staff welfare and strengthen collaboration with agencies under the ministry, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the Technical Aid Corps, and others.

Her assumption of duty was marked by a warm reception from senior officials of the ministry and heads of its various agencies, who welcomed her appointment and expressed readiness to work with her in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.