Nigeria’s new minister of foreign affairs, on Friday, took charge of the nation’s foreign affairs ministry, pledging to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, reposition the country’s global image, and drive the federal government’s foreign policy priorities under President Bola Tinubu.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu officially assumed office at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on May 8, 2026, where she was received by senior management staff led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies under the ministry.
Her assumption of office places her at the helm of one of Africa’s largest diplomatic structures, with Nigeria currently operating 109 diplomatic missions globally, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership responsibilities as the minister began overseeing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, bilateral and multilateral relations, diaspora affairs, and international cooperation initiatives.
Among agencies represented during the reception were the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs; the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution; the Technical Aid Corps; the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa; and the Foreign Service Academy.
Welcoming the minister, Ahmed described her elevation as a recognition of her experience, professionalism, and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction during her service as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He expressed confidence in her ability to provide effective leadership for the ministry and further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and international partnerships.
The Permanent Secretary assured Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the commitment and support of the ministry’s workforce in implementing the administration’s foreign policy objectives.
According to him, the ministry remains focused on advancing Nigeria’s national interests, protecting Nigerians abroad, attracting foreign investments, and promoting peace, security, and development through strategic international engagement.
Goodwill messages were delivered by heads and representatives of agencies under the ministry, including the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Olawale Awe, Nigeria’s permanent representative to the Economic Community of West African States, also pledged support and collaboration towards the success of the minister’s leadership.
In her maiden remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the ministry’s leadership and staff for the warm reception and reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the foreign policy sector.
She restated the federal government’s commitment to Nigeria’s 4D foreign policy agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography, stressing that citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy would remain central to the country’s global engagements.
The minister also called for professionalism, innovation, institutional efficiency, and unity among staff and agencies of the ministry in tackling emerging global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the regional and international stage.
She commended the dedication and sacrifices of foreign service officers and ministry personnel, assuring them of her commitment to improved staff welfare and enhanced service delivery.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further pledged to work closely with the ministry’s management team and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and stronger protection for Nigerians living abroad.
