Minister defends Tinubu’s frequent trips, advocates more engagements abroad

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has defended President Bola Tinubu’s frequent travels abroad.

He argued that the trips are vital for the country’s growth and global standing.

Tuggar, who featured in Sunday Politics on Channels Television, suggested Tinubu should travel more to deepen international ties and attract investments.

The minister described Tinubu as a leader committed to reshaping Nigeria’s global image and securing opportunities for the country.

He said: “This administration is still new. He was sworn in in 2023. In global terms, he’s still a new President. He needs to interact with his colleagues—fellow heads of state—to build relationships. And you can see the results of these trips.”

Tuggar mentioned the success of one of Tinubu’s recent trips abroad.

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“You travel once and secure $2 billion in investment like he did in Brazil. In fact, we’re not traveling enough—I believe we should do even more.

“This administration is still new. He was sworn in in 2023. In global terms, he is still a new President. He needs to interact with his colleagues, and fellow heads of state to be able to establish relationships and you can see the fruits of these trips. Look at the benefits.

“You travel once and you get $2bn of investment as he did in Brazil…in fact, we are not traveling enough. I should suggest that we should do more,” the minister added.

Since he assumed office in May 2023, Tinubu has visited over a dozen countries, including France, India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands, spending approximately 96 days abroad.

Each trip has been positioned as part of the administration’s broader plan to attract foreign investment, build partnerships, and tackle global challenges.

However, critics have accused the President of wasting public funds on frequent travel while Nigerians face rising inflation, subsidy removals, and economic uncertainty.

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