The Nigerian Presidency has defended the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, describing the trip as a strategic move aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and expanding economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said the visit aligns with the administration’s broader plan to reposition Nigeria’s economy through active engagement with global partners. In a statement shared via his verified X handle, Bwala dismissed criticisms surrounding the trip, insisting that meaningful national development cannot be achieved through isolation.
According to him, the President’s engagements in the United Kingdom were carefully planned to open new economic opportunities for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of foreign direct investment, trade partnerships, and employment generation. He stressed that international diplomacy and economic partnerships remain essential tools for national growth in a globalised world.
“Some people are saying, ‘Why go to the UK?’ Look, I hope you all know that you don’t grow and develop Nigeria by sitting at home and waiting,” he said, emphasising that countries that attract investment and grow their economies are those that actively engage with international partners and investors.
The Presidency maintained that the visit was not merely ceremonial but focused on concrete economic outcomes that would benefit Nigerians. Areas of interest during the trip reportedly included investment in infrastructure, energy, technology, manufacturing, and job creation initiatives that could help strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
Bwala explained that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a policy of economic diplomacy, which involves using foreign relations and international engagements as tools to attract capital, technology, and expertise into the country. He noted that such engagements are necessary to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth.
He also stressed that global competition for investment is intense, and countries must actively present themselves as attractive destinations for investors. According to him, the President’s visit was part of efforts to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in the global race for investment and economic partnerships.
The Presidency therefore urged Nigerians to view the visit from a broader economic perspective, noting that the long-term benefits of such engagements often outweigh immediate criticisms. It added that the administration remains committed to policies that will improve the economy, create employment opportunities, and raise the standard of living for Nigerians.
The defence of the UK trip comes amid ongoing public debate about the value of foreign trips by government officials, with supporters arguing that they bring investment and partnerships, while critics question the cost and immediate benefits. However, the Presidency insists that strategic international engagement remains a necessary part of Nigeria’s economic development strategy.+
