Written by Omeiza Ajayi
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s strategic international diplomacy and said that the nation is reaping quantifiable economic benefits from the president’s travels abroad.
The chairman of the APC stated that more than $50 billion in promises for foreign direct investment (FDI) have already been obtained as a result of this diplomatic campaign.
Yilwatda rejected the idea that the president’s frequent travels are only ceremonial in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday. Rather, he characterized them as intentional endeavors that have effectively restored Nigeria as a top global capital destination.
“The President’s interactions with important international partners demonstrate his steadfast dedication to furthering Nigeria’s economic objectives.
“By providing real advantages that will promote long-term prosperity, these visits have assisted in realigning our nation on the international scene.” His Special Advisor on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, made the statement on Yilwatda’s behalf.
President Tinubu has led high-level diplomatic trips in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas since assuming office in May 2023. According to Yilwatda, these initiatives have targeted major economic powers like the US, China, Germany, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Important industries like energy, industry, agriculture, and technology are expected to be impacted by these investments.
“These are not paper promises. He said, “These commitments represent actual capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy.”
He cited the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates in particular as a historic accomplishment aimed at strengthening bilateral commerce and collaboration in the fields of infrastructure and energy.
The Chairman also responded to domestic detractors who have called the president’s international schedule “overdone” or overbearing. He maintained that concentrating only on the short-term expenses of travel ignores the enormous long-term benefits that the Nigerian people are negotiating.
“Those who concentrate on expenses without appreciating the benefits are unable to see the wider picture.
President Tinubu’s reform agenda in Nigeria is audacious, strategic, and essential. Knowing that the benefits will be felt throughout the whole economy, we implore all Nigerians to patiently support these initiatives,” he said.
Yilwatda stressed that the administration’s reform trajectory, which includes both institutional strengthening and changes to economic policy, demonstrates the President’s determination to change the country’s economy.
“The President has demonstrated the foresight and tenacity to carry out the necessary reforms for this country. As these diplomatic and economic initiatives start to result in real changes in people’s lives, this is not the time for cynicism but rather for cooperation and positive support,” the Chairman continued.
He reiterated the APC’s resolve to make sure that these emerging international alliances directly result in increased wealth and employment opportunities for all residents.
