Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised recent foreign trips by Nigerian leaders, saying such visits should produce clear economic gains for citizens.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi said international diplomacy must go beyond ceremonies and public displays. He argued that every foreign engagement should deliver measurable benefits to the Nigerian economy.
Obi Calls for Results-Driven Diplomacy
Obi knocks Tinubu’s UK visit while stressing that state visits are not meant for tourism or symbolic appearances.
According to him, foreign trips by government officials should attract investments, improve trade relations, support industrial partnerships and create jobs for Nigerians.
He stated that diplomacy should be judged by practical outcomes, including factory expansion, technology transfer and infrastructure development.
Obi References Trump’s China Visit
Obi cited a previous visit by former United States President Donald Trump to China as an example of economic-focused diplomacy.
He claimed the visit involved top global business executives and reportedly produced major trade agreements, including aircraft orders linked to Boeing.
Obi said advanced economies often connect diplomatic engagements with industrial growth and economic expansion.
Obi Questions Outcome of Tinubu’s UK Visit
Obi knocks Tinubu’s UK visit by asking what economic benefits Nigeria secured from the recent trip to the United Kingdom.
He questioned whether the visit attracted factories, industrial agreements, technology partnerships or direct employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The former Anambra governor also asked what gains were recorded in key sectors such as agriculture, power, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Concerns Over Delegation Size
Obi criticised the size of the Nigerian delegation that reportedly travelled for the visit.
He listed members of the delegation as including the President, governors, ministers, lawmakers, State House staff, security personnel and other aides.
Obi knocks Tinubu’s UK visit while arguing that public funds spent on foreign trips should produce visible economic returns for Nigerians facing hardship.
Nigeria Needs Productive Leadership, Obi Says
The Labour Party chieftain said Nigeria’s economic challenges require leadership focused on productivity and national development.
He pointed to rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity and poverty as reasons government spending must be tied to economic value.
Obi said symbolic activities alone cannot solve the country’s economic difficulties, adding that foreign engagements should lead to investments, exports, jobs and industrial growth.
