Peter Obi, the 2023 Labor Party presidential candidate, stated Thursday that President Bola Tinubu has spent approximately 180 days abroad since taking office in May 2023, representing over 30% of his time as president. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Obi said these travels comprised more than 30 overseas trips to at least 16 different countries.
According to records, Tinubu's international visits included multiple trips to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and various African nations. Notable travels included an August 2023 visit to China for bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping, followed by a week-long stay in the UK. Government data shows N2.3 billion was spent on foreign trips and related expenses in the first half of 2024.
Obi urged Tinubu to redirect his travel focus domestically in 2025, suggesting he spend at least 72 days visiting Nigeria's 36 states. He recommended the President inspect national hospitals, road infrastructure, military formations, and IDP camps to better understand the country's challenges. The former Anambra governor also called for quarterly presidential updates to the nation and increased attention to anti-corruption efforts.
"As President, such visits would give you the opportunity to better understand the dire economic and security situations across the country," Obi stated, emphasizing the importance of first-hand observation of Nigeria's infrastructure and public facilities.
Tinubu, who took office on May 29, 2023, is currently on holiday in Lagos State and has not traveled internationally in 2025.