President Bola Tinubu’s international travels and meetings with world leaders, according to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are not ceremonial but rather deliberate actions that have strengthened Nigeria’s international partnerships and drawn substantial foreign investment into the country.
“The president has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests through his engagements with strategic global partners,” he added.
President Tinubu has visited important parts of the world since taking office in May 2023, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. He has met with leaders and investors in the US, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, and other countries.
Economic collaboration, commercial expansion, and strengthened strategic relationships have been the main objectives of these missions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Yilwatda’s Special Advisor on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, praised Tinubu for his strategic foreign engagements and the successes Nigeria has achieved via persistent diplomatic and economic outreach.
“These visits have helped reposition our country on the international stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity,” he said.
The national chairman emphasized that thanks to President Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, Nigeria has already secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, with significant corporations and sectors including manufacturing, energy, logistics, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure pledging to invest.
Yilwatda also cited recent diplomatic successes, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which aims to expand cooperation, trade, and investment in vital areas including agriculture and energy.
Yilwatda responded to critics who have called the president’s foreign trips “overdone” or superfluous, saying that such viewpoints show a lack of long-term vision and an understanding of the larger reform path the government promoted.
“These are not promises on paper,” he stated. These pledges are actual cash flows, chances for job creation, and technological transfers that boost our economy.
“Those who concentrate on the expenses without appreciating the benefits are overlooking the wider picture.” Nigeria’s reform agenda under President Tinubu is ambitious, well-thought-out, and essential.
“We implore all Nigerians to patiently support these initiatives, understanding that the benefits will be felt throughout the entire economy.”
Yilwatda emphasized that the president’s ability to carry out reforms—from institutional strengthening to changes in economic policy—demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the Nigerian economy and raising the country’s residents’ standard of living.
“Mr. President has demonstrated the vision and the resolve to see through the reforms this country needs,” he continued. As these diplomatic and economic initiatives start to materially improve people’s lives, now is not the time for skepticism but rather for solidarity and helpful assistance.
