Bianca Ojukwu Vows ‘Bold Global Push’ as She Takes Charge of Foreign Affairs

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, officially took the reins in Abuja on Friday.

Upon assuming office, she committed to revitalizing the nation’s diplomatic efforts, anchored by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “4-D” foreign policy framework—emphasizing Diplomacy, Development, Diaspora Engagement, and Democracy.

The Minister was welcomed at the ministry’s headquarters by a high-level delegation led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, as well as various directors and agency heads.

Persecondnews recalls that the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar had
resigned from the position in March 2026 to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Following his departure, President Bola Tinubu appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to take over on March 30, 2026.

Speaking shortly after taking charge, Ojukwu said her focus would be on strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships, protecting citizens abroad and advancing economic diplomacy.

“I am fully committed to driving the 4-D foreign policy direction of this administration. Nigeria must remain assertive, strategic and visible in global affairs,” she said in a statement made available to Persecondnews, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to her, collaboration in the ninistry would be key to delivering on national priorities.

“We will deepen diplomatic relations, safeguard Nigerians wherever they are, and work to attract investment that supports national development.”

Mr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described her assumption of office as a continuation of a distinguished record of service, noting that she has previously demonstrated strong leadership and dedication as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

He assured her of the Ministry’s full backing in delivering on Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, including strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, protecting Nigerians abroad and promoting economic diplomacy

Other heads of agencies under the Ministry, including the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, also delivered goodwill messages, pledging continued collaboration and support for the Minister.