After a two-week diplomatic tour to Saint Lucia and Brazil, President Bola Tinubu finally returned to Abuja on July 12, 2025
According to report, his arrival ended weeks of speculation about his whereabouts following the BRICS summit in Brazil and an official state visit to Saint Lucia.
Diplomatic Tour Raises Eyebrows
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on June 28, 2025, beginning a two-nation visit aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean nations and emerging economies.
His first stop was Saint Lucia, where he engaged with top government officials and addressed the local parliament.
The visit was billed as a move to deepen South-South cooperation.
From Saint Lucia, Tinubu proceeded to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit held from July 5 to 7, 2025
There, he participated in high-level discussions on global governance, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
A landmark $1 billion agriculture and energy cooperation deal was highlighted, aligning with Tinubu’s vision to modernize Nigeria’s farming sector.
Despite the diplomatic significance, the timing and length of Tinubu’s absence drew criticism at home.
Nigerians questioned why the president remained abroad long after the summit ended on July 7, with no official communication on his return.
Reception in Abuja: A High-Profile Welcome
Upon arrival at the Presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Tinubu was greeted by key government officials.
The officials includes Minister for Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku, Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The reception was meant to project unity and strength.
However, the optics contrasted sharply with growing discontent among Nigerians frustrated by insecurity, economic hardship, and perceived government inaction during the president’s absence.
Presidency’s Defense and Opposition’s Rebuke
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Bayo Onanuga, sought to quell doubts by affirming the president’s commitment to governance despite being abroad.
Onanuga dismissed opposition alliances as ineffective threats to the ruling APC.
Insisting Tinubu’s achievements would secure victory in the next election.
However, critics remain unconvinced.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, labeled the much-publicized Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project a “scam.”
He accused Tinubu’s administration of failing to deliver any meaningful infrastructure since assuming office.
Lawal’s remarks echoed widespread public frustration with unfulfilled promises and a lack of visible progress on critical national projects.
The president’s extended trips abroad only fueled perceptions of disengagement from pressing domestic issues.
The Reality of Tinubu’s Frequent Travels
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on at least 41 foreign trips.
Visiting over 28 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia.
France tops the list with six visits, followed by the UK and the UAE.
While international diplomacy is vital, many Nigerians question the frequency of these trips amid escalating insecurity and economic challenges at home.
The president’s prolonged absence during critical periods has sparked debates about priorities and leadership focus.
Controversy Over Governance and National Security
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria comes amid rising insecurity in various parts of Nigeria.
Including renewed attacks by bandits and insurgents.
Critics argue that the president’s overseas engagements have distracted from urgent national security concerns.
Some opposition figures accuse the administration of neglecting its core responsibilities while chasing international prestige.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, touted as a flagship infrastructure project, has been criticized as a hollow promise lacking tangible progress.
The Political Stakes Ahead
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Tinubu’s leadership and performance are under intense scrutiny.
His ability to deliver on promises and address Nigeria’s myriad challenges will influence his political future and the APC’s electoral prospects.
Opposition candidates like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi remain vocal critics, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction.
Despite Onanuga’s confidence, the political landscape is volatile.
Return Amid Controversy and Uncertainty
President Bola Tinubu returns to Nigeria after his diplomatic missions to Saint Lucia and Brazil.
This closes a chapter marked by both international engagement and domestic criticism.
While the trips aimed to boost Nigeria’s global standing and economic partnerships.
The prolonged absence raised questions about governance priorities.
The president now faces mounting demands to address insecurity.
Deliver on infrastructure promises, and restore public confidence.
His administration’s next moves will determine whether Tinubu’s leadership can overcome skepticism or deepen Nigeria’s crisis of trust.
