Against the criticisms of the foreign trips of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is to advance the country’s economic interests.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, stated this in Abuja on Monday in a statement from his Special Adviser, Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.
According to the statement, the trips have improved Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the country since 2023.
Tooki said, “The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic international engagements and the measurable gains Nigeria has recorded through sustained diplomatic and economic outreach.
“Professor Yilwatda said that President Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with global leaders are not ceremonial but purposeful actions that have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted significant foreign investment into the nation.”
The SA quoted his principal saying, “Mr President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests.
“These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity.”
The statement revealed, since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has undertaken a series of international visits to key regions including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas; engaging leaders and investors in nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, and others.
These missions have been focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion, and enhanced strategic partnerships.
The National Chairman highlighted that Nigeria has already secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments through President Tinubu’s diplomatic drive, with major companies and sectors committing to investments that span energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
“These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy.
He applauds Mr President for negotiating agreements that prioritise Nigeria’s growth and sustainable development.
Yilwatda also pointed to recent diplomatic achievements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, designed to deepen trade, investment, and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.
Addressing critics who have described the President’s international travels as “overdone” or unnecessary, Professor Yilwatda said such perspectives reflect short-sightedness and a lack of appreciation for the broader reform trajectory the administration has championed.
“Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic, and necessary.
“We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said, implicitly countering sceptical commentary by political commentators and opponents.
He emphasised that the President’s capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and enhancing living standards for citizens.
“Mr President has shown both the vision and the determination to see through the reforms this nation needs. Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Professor Yilwatda said.
He added that APC remains committed to amplifying the positive impacts of Nigeria’s international engagements and ensuring that global partnerships contribute directly to national growth, job creation, and shared prosperity.
