Bianca Resumes as Foreign Affairs Minister, Pledges Focus on 4D Agenda

Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, officially resumed office in Abuja on Friday following her appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the handover in a statement by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noting that the appointment reflects the federal government’s confidence in her leadership and diplomatic experience.

Welcoming her, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed said the elevation recognizes Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s dedication and professionalism in public service. He expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and deepen diplomatic partnerships globally.

“The ministry remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s national interests, protecting Nigerians abroad, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations,” Ahmed said, assuring her of full staff support in driving the administration’s foreign policy priorities.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the ministry’s management and staff for the warm reception and pledged to build on the achievements recorded under President Tinubu’s administration.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the *4D Foreign Policy agenda* — focused on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography — and stressed the importance of citizen diplomacy, strategic autonomy, professionalism, and institutional efficiency in tackling global challenges.

The minister also promised to prioritize staff welfare and work closely with agencies under the ministry to ensure effective service delivery and the protection of Nigerians abroad.

Her arrival was marked by a reception from senior officials, including heads of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the Technical Aid Corps, and the Foreign Service Academy.