Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as Nigeria’s “ceremonial approach” to foreign diplomacy, stating that state visits should deliver clear economic benefits rather than symbolic appearances.
Obi said foreign trips by national leaders should focus on attracting investments, securing trade agreements, boosting industrial growth, and creating jobs for citizens.
The two-term former governor of Anambra State said diplomacy should not be reduced to “tourism or fashion parades,” insisting that every government-sponsored foreign trip must produce measurable outcomes for the economy.
Obi, in a statement on Saturday, May 16, 2026, referenced the recent visit of United States President Donald Trump to China, noting that the American delegation included several top global business and technology executives whose participation helped secure multi-billion-dollar trade deals.
He listed notable figures said to have been part of the delegation, including Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Tim Cook of Apple, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, and Larry Fink of BlackRock, among others.
Obi stated that the visit led to major trade agreements, including orders for about 200 aircraft from Boeing.
He contrasted the trip with President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, questioning the economic value of the Nigerian delegation’s trip.
Illicit mining undermining Nigeria’s mineral economy — NEITI
According to Obi, the Nigerian entourage included the president, the First Lady, 12 governors, nine ministers, members of the National Assembly, presidential aides, security personnel, and other associates.
The former governor said many Nigerians were still asking what concrete gains the country secured from the visit.
“Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural, or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths?” he queried.
BPP tightens rules on contract variations, says no more backdoor cost inflation
Obi argued that at a time of worsening economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and rising poverty, government spending on foreign trips must translate into investments, industrial partnerships, infrastructure development and employment opportunities.
“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets, and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” Obi stated.
He further maintained that Nigeria needs leadership that prioritises productivity and measurable economic outcomes over ceremony and optics.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
