National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Bola Tinubu’s frequent overseas trips, claiming they have secured more than $50bn (£39bn) in foreign direct investment commitments.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda said the engagements—spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas—had strengthened global partnerships and delivered “tangible benefits” for the nation’s economy, including inflows into energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda highlighted deals with countries including the US, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brazil.
He said recent successes included a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to boost trade and collaboration.
“These missions have been focused on economic cooperation, trade expansion, and enhanced strategic partnerships,” he said, adding that the pledges were translating into “actual capital inflows, job opportunities, and technology transfers”.
The comments come amid criticism from opposition leaders, who have branded the trips—undertaken since Tinubu took office in May 2023—wasteful and excessive.
The presidency has countered that they are vital for repositioning Nigeria on the world stage.
Chairman Yilwatda dismissed the detractors as short-sighted, urging Nigerians to back Tinubu’s “bold, strategic” reforms with patience.
“Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture,” he said. “Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support.”
