Foreign trips must bring economic benefits, not just fashion displays – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized recent foreign trips taken by Nigerian leaders, arguing that state visits should produce tangible economic benefits instead of serving as “fashion” displays.

He made the comments on his X account on Saturday.

Obi said diplomacy should focus on investments, industrial expansion, technology transfer, trade agreements, and job creation rather than on “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 several top government officials and many prominent figures from global business and technology. Consequently, large trade agreements worth billions of dollars—including about 200 Boeing orders—were secured.”

“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 still ask a simple question: what did Nigeria actually bring home?

“Which factories will come to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural, or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will the visit create for Nigerian youth? What investments were attracted? What measurable economic outcomes can ordinary Nigerians 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 faces decline, with serious insecurity, food insecurity, unemployment, a weakened naira, falling 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 yield tangible national value—investments, factories, jobs, exports, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

“Nigeria needs leadership that prioritizes productivity over optics, ceremony over measurable economic results,” he said.