President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja today for a multi-nation diplomatic tour, with key engagements scheduled in Japan and Brazil, and a brief stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The trip, described as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships, aims to foster economic cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities.
The President’s first stop is Tokyo, Japan, where he is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and top business leaders.
Discussions will focus on deepening bilateral ties, particularly in technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Nigeria seeks to leverage Japan’s expertise in infrastructure development to support its ongoing economic reforms.
From Japan, President Tinubu will travel to Brasília, Brazil, to attend a high-level summit with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The agenda includes exploring partnerships in agribusiness, energy, and regional security, as well as strengthening ties within the BRICS framework, where Nigeria is seeking greater influence.
The brief stopover in Dubai will involve meetings with UAE officials to discuss trade and investment opportunities, particularly in the energy and aviation sectors.
The UAE has been a key partner in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy.
Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that the trip underscores Tinubu’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global economic player.
“The President’s engagements will attract foreign direct investment and open new avenues for collaboration,” Ngelale said.
The delegation, which includes key ministers and business leaders, is expected to return to Nigeria next week.
The trip has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising Tinubu’s proactive diplomacy, while others urge the administration to address pressing domestic issues like inflation and security.
