Former Labour Party, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that state visits by world leaders should not be treated as tourism or ceremonial outings, but as strategic diplomatic engagements that must deliver measurable economic value to citizens.

According to Obi, every foreign trip undertaken by government officials should translate into tangible benefits such as investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, industrial expansion, factory development, and job creation.

He argued that in serious economies, diplomacy is closely tied to economic productivity, noting that successful state visits are often backed by clear outcomes that strengthen industries, attract capital, and create employment opportunities.

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Obi questioned the value derived from Nigeria’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, asking what concrete benefits were secured for the country in terms of investment inflows, industrial partnerships, and job creation for Nigerians.

He also expressed concern over the size of official delegations on foreign trips, stressing that such visits must justify their cost, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing economic challenges including unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and currency pressure.

He maintained that what Nigeria requires is a shift toward results-driven governance, where diplomacy is not focused on ceremony and protocol, but on measurable national development outcomes that directly improve the lives of citizens.