Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has officially assumed duty, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the implementation of the country’s 4D Foreign Policy agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
The minister resumed office on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Friday, She was received by senior directors of the ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside heads of agencies under the ministry, including 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.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed congratulated the minister on her appointment, describing her elevation as a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
He noted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu demonstrated commendable leadership during her tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and expressed confidence in her ability to deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.
The Permanent Secretary also assured the minister of the ministry’s support in advancing the foreign policy priorities of the administration, including promoting Nigeria’s national interests, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, protecting Nigerians abroad, attracting foreign investment, and supporting peace and development initiatives.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by 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, as well as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe.
Speaking at the event, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and pledged to sustain and consolidate the achievements of the ministry under the Tinubu administration.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the implementation of the 4D Foreign Policy agenda while emphasising citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy as central pillars of Nigeria’s engagement with the international community.
The minister stressed the need for professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation, and unity of purpose in addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests at regional, continental, and global levels.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended the dedication and sacrifices of officers and staff of the ministry, assuring them of her commitment to staff welfare and improved service delivery.
She pledged to work closely with the ministry’s management and affiliated agencies to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and the protection of Nigerians abroad.
