On January 2, 2025, during a media chat in Abuja, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s extensive international travel since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Obi claimed that Tinubu had spent over 30% of his time—approximately 180 out of 580 days—on more than 30 publicly recorded overseas trips. He urged the President to allocate at least 20% of 2025, roughly 72 days, to visiting each of Nigeria’s 36 states for two days each, to better understand the nation’s economic and security challenges.
An investigation by the New Daily Prime sought to verify Obi’s claims. Findings revealed that, as of January 4, 2025, President Tinubu had visited more than 26 countries, spending an average 180 days abroad. This aligns with the Punch report dated on October 20, 2024, which outlined that Tinubu had undertaken 29 journeys, spending 124 days abroad and visiting 16 countries, accumulating over 127 flight hours.
Since taking office, President Tinubu has also taken at least one official private holiday. On October 2, 2024, he departed Abuja for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, described as a “working vacation” to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. However, the frequent traveling has raised public concern, with many labelling Tinubu as a “globetrotting president.” In terms of cost, reports indicate that during the first six months of his presidency, Tinubu spent at least ₦3.4 billion ($2.2 million) on domestic and foreign travel, exceeding the budgeted amount for 2023 by 36%.
Despite the criticism, the President’s travels have reportedly attracted foreign investors and promoted Nigeria’s image internationally. Under his administration, more than ₦4.2 trillion in Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed. His first international trip as President was to Paris on June 21, 2023, to attend the New Global Financing Pact Summit, marking his initial foray into international diplomacy. Subsequent travels included visits to the United States, United Kingdom, India, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Benin Republic, Netherlands, South Africa, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Qatar, among others.
These visits align with the President’s constitutional duties. Section 5(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution grants the President executive powers to execute and maintain the Constitution and all laws made by the National Assembly, encompassing the conduct of foreign affairs and international relations. This includes the promotion and protection of national interest, African integration, international cooperation, respect for international law, and the settlement of international disputes.
For instance, on July 8, 2023, President Tinubu visited Guinea-Bissau to participate in the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he was unanimously elected as chairman of the West African bloc. On August 28, 2024, he visited China to seek economic cooperation in areas such as the economy, agriculture, and satellite technology. During this visit, Nigeria signed an MoU with China for infrastructure development worth about $2 billion. Additionally, on December 9, 2023, an MoU was signed to establish a $150 million Lithium-Ion battery manufacturing and processing factory in Nigeria.
In November 2023, Nigeria signed a $500 million renewable energy and gas deal with Germany. Further agreements include an MoU with Russia on nuclear energy signed on September 27, 2023, and MoUs in the education sector with Russia and Qatar on December 22, 2023, and March 3, 2024, respectively.
In conclusion, the claim that President Tinubu has made over 30 publicly recorded overseas trips since assuming office is accurate. Under his administration, more than ₦4.2 trillion in foreign MoUs have been signed, reflecting a proactive approach to international engagement and economic development.
