The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips are delivering concrete economic gains for Nigeria, pointing to significant investment inflows and stronger international partnerships.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda described the President’s overseas engagements as strategic efforts that have enhanced Nigeria’s global standing and attracted substantial foreign investments.
President Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels in recent months have drawn criticism from opposition figures, who have labelled them wasteful. However, the Presidency has consistently argued that the trips are crucial to repositioning Nigeria in the global economic space.
Defending the President, Yilwatda said such criticisms fail to consider the broader benefits, stressing that the gains from the international engagements far outweigh the costs.
“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,” he said.
According to the APC chairman, since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has visited key regions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, engaging leaders and investors in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brazil.
He noted that the visits were focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion and strengthening strategic partnerships.
Yilwatda disclosed that Nigeria has secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments through the President’s diplomatic drive, with investments cutting across energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
“These commitments are not just promises on paper; they represent real capital inflows, job creation and technology transfer that will strengthen the Nigerian economy,” he said.
He also commended President Tinubu for clinching key agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, aimed at boosting trade, investment and collaboration in sectors such as energy and agriculture.
Responding to claims that the President’s trips are excessive, Yilwatda described such views as short-sighted, insisting they ignore the administration’s broader reform agenda.
“Those who focus only on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic and necessary,” the statement read.
He urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts with patience, assuring that the benefits would gradually be felt across the economy.
Yilwatda added that President Tinubu’s commitment to reforms, from economic policy changes to institutional strengthening, reflects his determination to transform the economy and improve living standards.
“Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic initiatives begin to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Elijah Adeyemi
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