Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has defended the frequent international trips of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the country is financially capable of supporting them.

The president’s numerous trips abroad have drawn public criticism amidst the nation’s economic challenges, with many questioning the necessity of his large entourage and whether the trips have yielded tangible benefits.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the minister justified the president’s actions, emphasizing the strategic importance of these engagements.

Tuggar argued that Tinubu’s trips are vital for fostering global relationships and attracting investments to reposition the country on the path of progress.

He further stated that, contrary to the criticisms, Tinubu needs to travel even more to strengthen ties with world leaders and achieve Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.

He said, “It is not a fair assessment. The administration is still new because the President 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.

“You can further see the fruits of these trips and their benefits which attracted $2bn (worth) of investments like he did in Brazil. In fact, I would venture to say we are not travelling enough. We should do more.”

Tuggar disagreed Nigeria did not have the money required for such frequent trips.

“Nigeria has the money. How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? Again, how much does it cost really when you compare it to some of the things that the President has already addressed?

“How much have we wasted on fuel, electricity and other subsidies? He was subsidising consumption instead of production and subsidising the real sector of the economy,” he added.

Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has reportedly visited about 19 countries on 32 foreign trips.

Axact

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