Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the nature of foreign trips embarked upon by Nigerian leaders, describing many of them as ceremonial journeys that fail to deliver tangible benefits to the country.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 handle on Saturday, Obi argued that official foreign engagements should be strictly evaluated based on measurable economic returns such as investments, industrial partnerships, technology transfer, trade agreements, and job creation, rather than being treated as social or ceremonial outings.
He stressed that effective diplomacy should focus on strengthening economic growth and national productivity.
“State visits by leaders are not tourism, and diplomacy is not a fashion parade. 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,” he stated.
Citing international examples, Obi referenced a recent visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump to China, where he claimed the delegation included top government officials and global business leaders, leading to multi-billion-dollar trade agreements, including major aircraft orders.
According to him, such outcomes demonstrate how serious nations align diplomacy with economic advancement, industrial development, innovation, and productivity.
He contrasted this with Nigeria’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, questioning what economic gains were achieved.
Obi asked what new factories, power projects, agricultural deals, manufacturing partnerships, or industrial investments were secured, and how many jobs were created for Nigerian youths as a result of the visit.
“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.
He further noted that Nigeria is currently facing major challenges, including insecurity, food shortages, unemployment, currency depreciation, declining industrial output, and rising poverty.
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Obi concluded that government spending on foreign trips must be justified with clear and measurable outcomes that benefit citizens directly, insisting that Nigeria needs leadership focused more on results than ceremony, and more on productivity than appearances.
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