Nigerian legal practitioner and political analyst, Liborous Oshoma, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reduce his foreign trips and concentrate on tackling the security and poverty challenges facing the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during a recent media interview, Oshoma said the president’s frequent travels abroad have become a distraction from the pressing problems at home. He advised Tinubu to spend more time addressing the issues of insecurity, unemployment, and widespread poverty affecting millions of Nigerians.
“While foreign relations are important, the president needs to be more visible at home to show leadership,” Oshoma said. “People are suffering. They need to see their leader on the ground, not just abroad.”
President Tinubu has embarked on several international trips since taking office in May 2023, attending global summits, bilateral meetings, and investment forums. His administration has said these trips are aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening diplomatic ties.
However, critics argue that the results of these travels have not been felt by ordinary Nigerians, who continue to struggle with high living costs and security threats. Nigeria is battling rising food inflation, youth unemployment, and widespread violence from banditry and insurgency in several parts of the country.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition groups have accused the president of spending too much time outside the country. The ADC recently claimed that Tinubu has spent nearly a quarter of his presidency abroad, calling the trips “wasteful” and “unproductive.”
Oshoma echoed similar concerns, warning that the president’s absence could weaken coordination in the fight against insecurity and economic hardship. He said Nigeria needs strong, hands-on leadership to confront its worsening challenges.
“Traveling and attending conferences cannot solve insecurity or hunger,” Oshoma said. “What Nigerians want is a leader who listens, visits troubled areas, and ensures policies are implemented effectively.”
Security experts have also cautioned that Nigeria’s instability requires the president’s direct involvement. Persistent attacks by armed groups in the North West and North Central regions, as well as kidnappings across the country, have left many citizens feeling unsafe. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.
Opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have also criticized Tinubu’s travel schedule. Obi said the president should prioritize citizens’ welfare before attending international engagements, describing the constant trips as “ill-timed and insensitive.”
Supporters of the president, however, argue that the foreign visits are part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s economy and attract investors. They point to recent announcements of potential partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and technology as signs that the trips could bring long-term benefits.
Still, public frustration remains high as many Nigerians demand faster improvements in security and living conditions. Analysts say the government must balance foreign diplomacy with domestic action to restore confidence.
Oshoma urged Tinubu to review his schedule and focus more on domestic governance. “Nigerians need assurance that their president understands their pain,” he said. “Being present and responsive at home is the first step toward rebuilding trust.”
As economic and security pressures mount, many observers believe Tinubu’s ability to remain engaged locally could shape public perception of his leadership in the months ahead.
