A comprehensive review has revealed that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spent a staggering 165 days outside the country since his inauguration on May 29, 2023. In just under two years, Tinubu has embarked on international trips to at least 18 countries, raising concerns over governance, accountability, and the economic strain of his extensive travels.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has visited France, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, China, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea, Qatar, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, the UAE, Benin, Germany, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, and the United States. These trips, often extended beyond their official purposes, have drawn sharp criticism from citizens grappling with economic hardship at home.
Breakdown of Tinubu’s Extensive Travels
His first major trip took place in June 2023, when he spent seven days in France and London. Shortly after, he was in Guinea-Bissau for the ECOWAS summit, followed by Kenya for the African Union gathering. August 2023 saw him in Benin for the country’s independence celebration, and in September, he jetted off to India and the UAE for investment discussions, spending a combined seven days abroad.
The President’s September itinerary was particularly packed—he left for the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 18 but only returned on September 30 after reportedly extending his stay in France. This 12-day trip set the stage for a pattern of extended foreign visits, often beyond official engagements.
In November 2023, he spent an additional five days in Germany and then six days in Dubai for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). By January 2024, Tinubu had embarked on a 13-day trip to France, followed by a two-day visit to Qatar in February.
April 2024 was another marathon travel month, with the President visiting the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and France—an excursion that lasted 15 days. By August 2024, he was in Equatorial Guinea for three days, France for four days, and later embarked on a 17-day tour of China and London. His October schedule included a controversial two-week “working retreat” in the UK and France, culminating in a 17-day absence from Nigeria.
By early 2025, Tinubu had already traveled to the UAE, Tanzania, France, and Ethiopia, clocking an additional 24 days abroad before announcing yet another 14-day visit to France starting April 2, 2025.
Amid growing economic hardship, the financial implications of Tinubu’s frequent travels have sparked outrage. A review of Nigeria’s 2025 approved budget shows that the President is set to spend N6.1 billion on international travel, with an additional N873 million allocated for local trips. The total travel budget for the presidency stands at N7 billion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is also poised to spend N1.314 billion on international travel and N417.488 million on domestic trips in 2025. This comes after data from the Open Treasury Portal revealed that the Tinubu-led presidency had already expended a staggering N36 billion on international travel in 2024 alone.
Tinubu’s extensive travels have fueled growing discontent among Nigerians, who are demanding greater accountability from their leaders. With an economy struggling under inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread hardship, critics argue that the President’s focus should be on domestic policy reforms rather than an incessant string of foreign engagements.
Many have questioned the tangible benefits of these trips, especially as foreign investments remain sluggish and economic recovery uncertain. Political analysts warn that such frequent absences could erode public trust and weaken the administration’s ability to effectively govern.
foreign investments remain sluggish and economic recovery uncertain. Political analysts warn that such frequent absences could erode public trust and weaken the administration’s ability to effectively govern.
As Nigeria battles pressing socio-economic challenges, the question remains: Is President Tinubu’s global odyssey justifiable, or is it a costly distraction from the real issues plaguing the nation?
PIONEER NEWS 