Gains Of Tinubu’s Travels Insignificant – Analysts
…Want President To Confront Insecurity, Other Domestic Challenges
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, Convener of the Apostolic Roundtable (ART), has expressed concerns that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent international travels have done little to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking with Sunday Independent, the cleric and public affairs commentator argued that while the trips may boost Nigeria’s presence abroad, the gains remain largely rhetorical and fail to address pressing domestic issues such as insecurity, inflation, and weak institutions.
“Nigerians need a president more at home than in the skies — fixing power, security, and governance. Diplomacy abroad must be balanced with leadership at home; otherwise, the shuttle risks being seen as escapism, rather than strategy,” Akinyemi said.
Calls for Balance Between Abroad and Home
Akinyemi, who also chairs the Board of Trustees of Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC-Naija), suggested that over-frequent trips could create a perception of detachment from domestic realities.
“Tinubu must travel less, govern more, and convert promises abroad into progress at home,” he emphasized.
Diplomacy and Strategic Interests
In contrast, Barrister Olalekan Festus Ojo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, urged Nigerians to consider Tinubu’s foreign trips within the broader context of strategic national interests.
“Nigeria cannot afford to be insular in a rapidly changing global environment. Foreign investments, security partnerships, and multilateral engagements are critical to our economic revival,” Ojo said.
“The president’s international engagements reflect an intention to restore Nigeria’s credibility, attract capital, and reinforce our leadership position in Africa and beyond. However, the real measure is whether these trips deliver tangible benefits that improve Nigerians’ daily lives.”
Ojo added that a balance is necessary, noting that governance at home must not suffer while pursuing diplomacy abroad.
Concerns Over Economic Priorities
Professor John Ebhomien, an APC chieftain in Lagos, raised concerns about the cost of these diplomatic trips, particularly amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
“It is essential for the government to exercise fiscal discipline and transparency. Public resources must be allocated efficiently to address the nation’s pressing problems,” Ebhomien stated.
Analysts Question Tangible Results
Dr. Felix Nwosu, a public affairs analyst, expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of the trips:
“Travelling is part of education. But most of our leaders travel for fun, not to implement what they observe. Nigerians see no visible gains. Funds spent abroad could alleviate domestic suffering,” he said.
Similarly, Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, a Christian leader and economist, argued that Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts are undermined by poor domestic and international perception, citing human rights concerns and insecurity.
“His shuttle diplomacy risks ending in high-level meetings and photo opportunities, rather than tangible outcomes,” Ekechukwu said.
Dr. Andrews Okhirebhu, another Lagos-based Christian leader, added:
“With all the president’s travels, how much of this effort translates into better welfare and economic development? Government secrecy and lack of transparency have eroded trust.”
