By Ayomide Otitoju
A Professor of Political Science at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Jideofor Adibe, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels, describing them as excessive and increasingly counterproductive.
Adibe expressed the view during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday while reacting to President Tinubu’s ongoing three-day state visit to Türkiye.
“I think it’s been overdone. While I recognise the role of personal diplomacy, it should not extend to becoming a globetrotter,” Adibe said.
He argued that Nigeria’s existing diplomatic framework, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions abroad, is sufficient to manage most international engagements without constant presidential travel. According to him, many discussions could also be conducted through virtual platforms.
“There is no reason why a president should constantly be on the move. You have a Minister of Foreign Affairs and trade missions in various embassies. Many engagements can even be handled through video conferencing,” he added.
Adibe noted that although foreign travel by Nigerian presidents did not begin with Tinubu, the frequency had increased significantly under the current administration. He questioned the effectiveness of such trips in attracting foreign investment, stressing that capital flows are driven more by domestic economic conditions than by presidential visits.
“Capital smells opportunity. You do not need to travel to woo capital. Even in war-torn areas, capital moves in when opportunities exist,” he said.
He added that the strategic value of individual trips is often diluted by their frequency, arguing that world leaders typically travel abroad only for critical engagements and must remain visibly grounded at home.
“Foreign policy flows from domestic policy. A leader must first show that he is comfortable being in his own country,” Adibe said.
President Tinubu arrived in Türkiye on Monday, January 26, 2026, for an official state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Since assuming office in May 2023, the President has undertaken more than 10 foreign trips to countries including China, Brazil, India, France, the United Kingdom, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Tanzania, and has attended major global events such as an African energy summit and a Vatican inauguration.
While the Federal Government maintains that the trips are necessary to reposition Nigeria globally, opposition figures including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have criticised them as excessive amid ongoing economic challenges.
During his reception in Ankara on Tuesday, President Tinubu was formally welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with full state honours. He briefly stumbled during the guard of honour parade but was quickly assisted by aides and continued the ceremony. Presidential officials later confirmed that the incident was a minor misstep and that the President was in good health.
The visit is focused on expanding cooperation in finance, trade, investment, security, energy, education, research and social development.
