4D Foreign Policy – Minister pledges stronger diplomatic engagement | FG prioritises citizen diplomacy, strategic autonomy | Ministry agencies assure support
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday formally welcomed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as she officially assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs following her elevation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu was received at the ministry headquarters in Abuja by senior management staff led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, alongside directors-general and heads of agencies under the ministry.
The agencies represented at the reception included the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Technical Aid Corps, and the Foreign Service Academy.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Permanent Secretary congratulated the minister on her appointment and described her elevation as a reflection of dedication, professionalism, and service to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Ahmed noted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu demonstrated strong 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 ministry remains committed to supporting the Honourable Minister in advancing Nigeria’s national interests, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, protecting Nigerians abroad, attracting foreign investment, and promoting peace, security, and development,” Ahmed stated.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of agencies under the ministry, including the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Also speaking during the reception, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to Economic Community of West African States, Olawale Emmanuel Awe, pledged collaboration and support towards the success of the minister’s tenure.
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu appreciated the warm reception and reaffirmed her commitment to consolidating the achievements of the ministry under the administration of President Tinubu.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing Nigeria’s “4D Foreign Policy” framework anchored on democracy, development, diaspora, and demography, while emphasising citizen diplomacy and strategic autonomy as central pillars of Nigeria’s global engagement.
“Our focus remains on advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests while strengthening professionalism, institutional efficiency, innovation, and unity of purpose in responding to contemporary global realities,” the minister stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended officers and staff of the ministry for their dedication and sacrifices, assuring them of her commitment to staff welfare and improved service delivery.
She pledged to work closely with the Permanent Secretary, management, staff, and affiliated agencies to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and enhanced protection of Nigerians living abroad.
The development marks a new phase in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement efforts as the Federal Government seeks to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen international partnerships, and position the country more strategically on continental and global issues.
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