Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Junketing Round The World

The presidency has justified President Bola Tinubu’s frequent trips as marketing strategies to woo international investors as Nigeria grapples with economic chaos.

“It speaks to one important fact: Presidents are the chief marketers of their countries. When they travel and go to these forums, they also meet other world leaders for a reason,” presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said in a recent interview aired on TVC.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Mr Tinubu has visited several countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Kenya, Benin Republic, Germany, Senegal, Qatar and Ghana.

Mr Tinubu is currently in France on a state visit.

Addressing criticisms trailing Mr Tinubu’s frequent trips, Mr Dare said they were necessary and in the country’s best interest.

“I think that for a country looking for direct investment, for a country that’s trying to pursue a new trajectory when it comes to the critical sector of the economy, there is a need for the new president to quickly make sure that he interacts with other presidents, investors and big international organisations who are present at most of these meetings they attend,” Mr Dare explained.

He added, “Yes, there is work for the president at home, but he cannot be a sit-at-home president. He must go out there and speak for this country. He needs to make a strong pitch.

“The president is the number one spokesperson for his administration. These trips aren’t junkets. They are critical for the country’s development.”