Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has criticised recent foreign trips embarked upon by Nigerian leaders, saying such visits should produce tangible economic gains rather than public relations spectacles.
In a statement shared on his 𝕏 account on Saturday, Obi said official state visits must be strategically tied to economic development, investment attraction and job creation.
According to him, diplomacy should focus on securing industrial partnerships, trade deals, technology transfer and infrastructure opportunities capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
“State visits by leaders are not tourism, and diplomacy is not a fashion parade,” Obi stated.
He added, “Every foreign trip undertaken by a government must deliver measurable benefits to the people, including investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, factory expansion, industrial partnerships, and job creation.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate compared Nigeria’s foreign engagements with the recent visit of former United States President, Donald Trump, to China, which he said reportedly involved top business executives and yielded major commercial agreements.
“During President Trump’s recent visit to China, the American delegation reportedly included a few top government officials and many of the biggest figures in global business and technology. Consequently, huge trade deals worth several billion dollars, including about 200 Boeing orders, were achieved,” he said.
Obi stressed that serious nations align foreign policy with economic growth, innovation and productivity.
He also appeared to reference President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to the United Kingdom, questioning the economic value of the visit.
“I hope lessons can be learned from these recent visits, comparing them with the President of Nigeria’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom,” Obi stated.
He questioned what direct benefits Nigeria gained from the trip, asking: “Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths?”
Obi further argued that symbolic appearances and ceremonial activities cannot substitute for concrete economic outcomes.
“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” he said.
The former governor lamented Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity and declining industrial productivity.
According to him, every public expense on foreign travel should translate into measurable national benefits.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians struggle daily to afford food and survive economic hardship, every kobo spent on foreign trips must produce tangible national value: investments, factories, jobs, exports, infrastructure and economic opportunities,” Obi added.
He maintained that the country needs leadership that prioritises productivity and economic results over political optics and ceremonies.
