In their 17 months in office, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have embarked on an extensive series of foreign trips, collectively visiting 26 countries and spending a significant 180 days abroad. This raises questions about their commitment to addressing pressing domestic issues in Nigeria.
President Tinubu alone has logged an impressive 124 days abroad, visiting 16 countries on 29 different trips. According to data, he has accumulated over 127 flight hours, showcasing a clear focus on international engagements. “Our international presence is vital for Nigeria’s future,” he has stated, underscoring his belief in the importance of global diplomacy.
Tinubu’s international journey began shortly after he took office. On June 20, 2023, he participated in the Paris Summit for the New Global Financial Pact, a crucial event that set the tone for his foreign agenda. “Engaging with global leaders is paramount,” he asserted during his four-day stay in France.
Following Paris, he quickly moved to London for private discussions with former President Muhammadu Buhari, spending three days in the UK. “It’s essential to maintain strong ties with my predecessor,” he emphasized, signaling continuity in leadership.
His next notable engagement was in Guinea-Bissau, where he attended the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. During this visit, he was elected chairman of the regional bloc, a significant role that enhanced Nigeria’s influence in West Africa.
On August 1, Tinubu marked his first ceremonial trip to Benin Republic, attending the country’s independence anniversary. This visit was described as a gesture of goodwill towards Nigeria’s neighbor. “We are committed to fostering regional cooperation,” he remarked.
After a month focused on cabinet appointments, Tinubu resumed international travels in September. He attended the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi at the request of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demonstrating Nigeria’s growing global engagement. “We are here to play our part on the world stage,” he stated confidently.
From India, Tinubu made a technical stop in Abu Dhabi for discussions with UAE Leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach in the Middle East. He later attended the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, his first as President, where he interacted with world leaders on critical global issues.
Tinubu’s European engagements continued with a return to Paris and a visit to Germany for the G20 Compact with Africa Conference. Each trip appears meticulously planned to enhance Nigeria’s global standing. “These forums are crucial for advancing Nigeria’s interests,” he explained.
In November, Tinubu participated in the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh and celebrated the 50th independence anniversary of Guinea-Bissau, reflecting his commitment to both economic and diplomatic partnerships.
Vice President Shettima’s foreign trips are notable as well, with 56 days spent abroad across 10 countries on 12 separate trips. He has emphasized the importance of his role in representing Nigeria globally. “We are the face of Nigeria to the world,” he stated during his travels.
Shettima’s journey included significant representation at the first Stocktaking Moment Summit in Rome and the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. His participation in these high-profile events underscores Nigeria’s active engagement in international discussions on pressing issues like food security and economic cooperation.
In October, he attended the Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, where he spent 20 days abroad, highlighting his dedication to fostering trade relationships. “China is a key partner in our development journey,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships.
However, their extensive travels have drawn criticism amid Nigeria’s ongoing domestic challenges. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the timing of these trips, stating, “It’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.” He questioned the necessity of both leaders being out of the country simultaneously.
Obi further pointed out logistical inefficiencies, suggesting that Tinubu could have attended bilateral talks directly instead of delegating to Shettima, who traveled over nine hours to represent him in Stockholm. “This would have saved time and national resources,” Obi argued.
In response to the criticisms, the Presidency defended the trips, asserting that Tinubu and Shettima’s absence does not create a leadership vacuum. They maintain that both leaders remain “fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away.”
Despite the backlash, Tinubu continues to prioritize international engagements. As he stated, “Global diplomacy is essential for Nigeria’s growth,” indicating that he views these trips as integral to the nation’s future.
As Nigeria grapples with significant domestic challenges, the question remains: can the government balance foreign engagements with pressing local needs? The public continues to scrutinize the administration’s priorities as both leaders travel the world while Nigeria faces critical issues at home.
