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

Her assumption of duty was confirmed in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who described the appointment as a reflection of the Federal Government’s confidence in her leadership capacity and diplomatic experience.

Speaking during the reception held in her honour, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, congratulated the minister on her appointment, describing it as a recognition of her dedication, professionalism and years of service to the nation.

Ahmed expressed optimism that Odumegwu-Ojukwu would strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and deepen diplomatic engagements with countries and international partners across the world. He also assured her of the ministry’s full cooperation and support in driving the foreign policy objectives of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, the ministry remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s national interests, protecting citizens abroad, attracting foreign investment and enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the management and staff of the ministry for the warm reception accorded to her and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda.

She pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded under the current administration while promoting the Federal Government’s 4D Foreign Policy agenda centred on Democracy, Development, Diaspora and Demography.

The minister emphasised the need for citizen diplomacy, strategic autonomy, professionalism and institutional efficiency in addressing emerging global challenges and safeguarding Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.

She also commended officers and staff of the ministry for their dedication and sacrifices in service to the country, pledging to prioritise staff welfare and work closely with the ministry’s management and affiliated agencies to improve service delivery and the protection of Nigerians abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu was received at the ministry by senior management officials led by Ambassador Ahmed, alongside heads and representatives 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.