Tinubu’s Frequent Travel Win-Win for Nigeria, Submits Atoyebi
Amid recent criticism over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels, the Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, has defended President Tinubu arguing that the trips have delivered strategic gains for Nigeria and should be viewed as a “win-win” rather than a liability.
Atoyebi said critics of the President’s movements outside the country fail to account for the outcomes of those engagements, particularly in defence, diplomacy and economic recovery.
According to him, a fair assessment must consider the condition of the country before the trips and compare them with current realities, rather than focusing on the number of days spent abroad.
He noted that Tinubu’s travels are largely driven by what he described as a “silent emergency” in critical sectors, especially national security, requiring hands-on diplomatic engagement beyond Nigeria’s borders.
On defence and security, Atoyebi pointed to renewed military cooperation with the United States as a major turning point.
He recalled that in previous years, Nigeria’s attempts to acquire U.S.-made military hardware were stalled over policy and human rights concerns. Under the current administration, however, those barriers have eased, leading to the delivery and induction of advanced aircraft and equipment into the Nigerian Air Force, alongside expanded intelligence sharing.
According to him, these developments have had visible effects on the battlefield, with improved access to drones, real-time intelligence and modern equipment contributing to recent gains against insurgents and terrorist groups.
Atoyebi also referenced Nigeria’s strengthened ties with Türkiye, describing the relationship as another example of how Tinubu’s foreign engagements are translating into tangible benefits.
During the president’s visit, Nigeria and Türkiye signed multiple agreements covering defence, military training, intelligence sharing, energy, health, education and trade.
He highlighted the planned entry of a Turkish bank into the Nigerian market as a boost for trade and financial inclusion, with the potential to create jobs and support local businesses. Bilateral trade between both countries has crossed the $5 billion mark, while Turkish companies continue to maintain significant investments across Nigeria’s manufacturing and construction sectors.
Atoyebi argued that the administration’s ability to balance defence partnerships with both the United States and Türkiye, despite their differing military systems, reflects strategic diplomacy rather than recklessness.
Beyond security, he said Tinubu’s international economic engagements have helped restore global confidence in Nigeria’s financial system, leading to the country’s removal from the financial grey list and a rise in foreign reserves to near-record levels.
He added that the benefits of these engagements are also being felt at home, citing increases in civil service salaries, tax exemptions for low-income earners and the adoption of progressive taxation policies. He noted that easing inflationary pressures, particularly on food, has begun to improve the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
He concluded that Tinubu’s travels should be applauded and assessed with logic and outcomes not mere Sentiments from critics.
