Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has publicly defended Tinubu's international engagements, emphasizing their tangible benefits for Nigeria. According to Sani, unlike the often criticized and perceived wasteful trips of past leaders, Tinubu's visits abroad have resulted in "verifiable and practical economic gains" for the country.
Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on numerous foreign trips, visiting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, China, and South Africa. These visits have not only strengthened diplomatic ties but have also attracted substantial economic investments. One notable achievement from these travels is Brazil's $4.2 billion grant aimed at boosting Nigeria's agriculture sector, which will be distributed across all local government areas.
Sani expressed his excitement about this development, stating, "To travel and come back with something huge is ok, to travel and come back with nothing is not ok." This sentiment signifies the importance of ensuring that presidential trips yield concrete results that benefit the nation.
In addition to the economic gains, Nigeria's foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a remarkable increase of 248.1% ($103.82 million) in the third quarter of 2024, further highlighting the positive impact of Tinubu's diplomatic efforts. This surge in FDI is a testament to the confidence that international investors have in Nigeria's economic potential under Tinubu's leadership.
Despite the successes, Tinubu's frequent travels have not been without criticism. Some Nigerians have voiced concerns over the costs associated with these trips, especially during a time of economic challenges and a cost-of-living crisis.
In response to these concerns, President Tinubu announced a three-month ban on publicly funded foreign trips by government officials, effective from April 1, 2024. This move aims to cut government spending and ensure responsible fiscal management.
The ban requires that any official travel deemed necessary must receive President Tinubu's approval at least two weeks in advance. This measure is intended to focus government officials on their respective mandates for effective service delivery while addressing public backlash over travel expenses.
While the president has taken steps to reduce the size of official travel delegations by about 60%, it remains unclear whether he will scale back his own international engagements. Nonetheless, Tinubu and his representatives have consistently defended his trips as vital for addressing Nigeria's economic issues and fostering international cooperation.
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