Foreign trips must deliver economic benefits not fashion displays – Peter Obi

Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi has criticised the recent foreign trips by Nigerian leaders, stating that state visits must deliver added economic benefits rather than “fashion” displays.

He disclosed this via his X handle on Saturday.

Obi said diplomacy should be driven by investments, industrial growth, technology transfer, factory expansion, trade agreements and job creation, not “tourism” or “fashion parades.”

“State visits by Leaders are not tourism, and diplomacy is not a fashion parade. Every foreign trip undertaken by a government must deliver measurable benefits to the people, including investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, factory expansion, industrial partnerships, and job creation.

“During President Trump’s recent visit to China, the American delegation reportedly included a few top government officials, and many of the biggest figures in global business and technology. Consequently, huge trade deals worth several billion dollars including about 200 Boeing orders were achieved.

“That is how serious nations approach diplomacy, by aligning foreign policy with economic expansion, industrial growth, innovation, and national productivity,”he said.

“I hope that lessons can be learned from these recent visits, comparing them with the President of Nigeria’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

“A large entourage of politicians, aides, and government officials travelled, yet Nigerians are still asking a simple question: what exactly did Nigeria bring home?

“Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural, or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths? What investments were attracted? What measurable economic outcomes can the ordinary Nigerian point to?” he asked.

“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets, and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens.

“Today, Nigeria is in decline, battling serious insecurity, food insecurity, unemployment, a weakened naira, declining industrial productivity, and worsening poverty.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians struggle daily to afford food and survive economic hardship, every kobo spent on foreign trips must produce tangible national value: investments, factories, jobs, exports, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

“Nigeria needs leadership that is focused less on optics and more on productivity; less on ceremony and more on measurable economic results,” he said.