Peter Obi has challenged the outcome of recent foreign trips by Nigerian leaders, saying international engagements must bring visible economic returns rather than ceremonial displays.

In a statement released on Saturday, the former Labour Party presidential candidate argued that diplomacy should be judged by what it delivers to citizens in terms of jobs, investments, and industrial growth.

According to Obi, overseas visits by public officials should result in clear gains such as new factories, technology partnerships, expanded trade, and employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He pointed to a past visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump to China as an example of how state engagements can be structured around business interests, claiming that the trip involved top global executives and led to multi-billion-dollar agreements, including major aircraft orders.

Turning to Nigeria, Obi said citizens are yet to see tangible outcomes from President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom. He questioned what specific agreements were reached that would directly impact Nigeria’s economy.

He asked whether the trip secured commitments in areas such as power, manufacturing, agriculture, or industrial development, and how many jobs it would generate for Nigerian youths.

Obi also raised concerns about the size of the delegation that accompanied the President, noting that public spending on foreign travel must be justified by measurable national benefits, especially at a time of economic strain.

He stressed that symbolism and photo opportunities cannot substitute for practical outcomes, adding that Nigeria’s challenges  including inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and poverty  demand that every official trip abroad be tied to economic value.
Obi concluded that leadership should prioritise productivity and national development over ceremony, insisting that diplomatic engagements must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.