Former Anambra State Governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has criticised the growing trend of foreign trips by Nigerian leaders, describing many of them as ceremonial outings that fail to deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.
In a statement shared on his 𝕏 account on Saturday, Obi argued that official foreign visits should focus on attracting investments, boosting industrial growth, securing trade deals, and creating jobs rather than serving as publicity events.
According to him, state visits should produce measurable outcomes such as technology transfer, factory development, industrial partnerships, and economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Obi cited the recent visit of former U.S. President, Donald Trump, to China as an example of purposeful diplomacy. He noted that the American delegation reportedly included major business and technology executives, leading to multi-billion-dollar agreements, including hundreds of aircraft orders from Boeing.
He stressed that serious nations use diplomacy as a tool for economic expansion, innovation, and national productivity.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate also appeared to compare such outcomes with President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, questioning what direct economic value the trip delivered to Nigerians.
Obi asked what investments, industrial agreements, manufacturing partnerships, or employment opportunities were secured during the visit, adding that many Nigerians were still waiting to see concrete results.
He further stated that symbolic activities such as ceremonial appearances, matching outfits, horse rides, and banquet attendance cannot solve the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing worsening insecurity, unemployment, poverty, food crisis, weakened currency value, and declining industrial productivity, making it necessary for every government expenditure on foreign travel to yield visible national benefits.
Obi concluded by saying the country needs leadership that prioritises productivity, economic growth, and measurable achievements over political showmanship and public relations displays.
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