Foreign Affairs Minister Suggests More International Travel for President Tinubu

Agency Reporter2 days ago

2 minutes read

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has stated that President Bola Tinubu should be traveling more to enhance the country’s global presence and diplomatic relations. Tuggar emphasized that the President’s international engagements are crucial for establishing strong connections with world leaders and fostering beneficial partnerships for Nigeria.

Tuggar’s remarks come amid growing concerns from some Nigerians who feel that President Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips are an unnecessary expense, with taxpayers bearing the financial burden. Critics argue that the President’s travels are being used as a means to attract investors to Nigeria, but they question whether the returns justify the costs.

As of May 2024, President Tinubu had spent approximately 96 days abroad since taking office, visiting several countries multiple times. His travels have included stops in France, the United Kingdom, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Benin Republic, India, United Arab Emirates, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Ethiopia, Senegal, Qatar, and The Netherlands, among others.

However, the Foreign Minister countered these criticisms during an interview on Channels Television’s *Sunday Politics*, explaining that the President’s trips are necessary for establishing meaningful relationships with other heads of state. Tuggar argued that Nigeria, under Tinubu’s leadership, is still in its early days, having only been sworn into office in 2023, and that these trips are essential for building the country’s international standing. He highlighted the positive outcomes from Tinubu’s visits, such as the $2 billion in investment secured from a trip to Brazil.

Tuggar further defended the President’s international travels by questioning the relative cost of such trips compared to other government expenditures. “Nigeria has the resources. The cost of traveling is minimal compared to the long-term benefits it brings, such as investment and diplomatic relations. Look at how much we were wasting on fuel subsidies, electricity subsidies, and other forms of inefficiency,” Tuggar pointed out.

The Minister’s comments suggest that, despite some domestic discontent, the government sees these travels as a vital part of Nigeria’s global outreach and economic strategy. By fostering international connections and attracting investments, the administration believes that these diplomatic efforts will yield significant rewards for Nigeria’s growth and development.

Tuggar’s remarks have sparked a broader debate about the balance between international diplomacy and domestic priorities. As President Tinubu continues to travel, the Nigerian public is watching closely to see the tangible benefits of these international engagements in the coming years.