Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces backlash as frequent foreign trips spark anger amid insecurity, NNPCL crisis, and mounting governance concerns
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s President and Minister of Petroleum Resources, is once again at the center of public scrutiny.
Also read: Bola Tinubu Criticised for Frequent Foreign Trips
His frequent foreign “working vacations” have sparked criticism at home, with growing concerns about insecurity, leadership gaps, and unresolved crises in critical sectors.
Despite claims that these trips secure investment opportunities, many Nigerians believe the President is too detached from pressing national issues.
His most recent journey, branded as both a vacation and a series of “diplomatic meetings,” has reignited the debate about whether the President’s time abroad serves the nation or sidelines urgent matters.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has defended the President’s travel habits, arguing in February 2025 that Tinubu is not traveling enough.
Tuggar highlighted a \$2 billion livestock investment secured in Brazil as proof of the benefits.
But critics say the minister misses the point. The real question is whether Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence undermines governance, particularly as Nigeria grapples with mounting security challenges and economic instability.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), central to the nation’s economy, has been in turmoil.
Its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has faced repeated threats to his position despite being appointed in April 2025.
The President, as Minister of Petroleum, has offered little public direction, leaving many to wonder whether he is relying on overseas “quiet time” in Paris or London to decide on the future of the oil and gas sector.
Insecurity remains another sore point. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara recently declared he could locate bandit leaders in his state but lacked the authority to direct federal security agencies.
His frustration mirrors longstanding complaints by governors across party lines who feel hamstrung by Abuja’s centralized control.
Lawal’s comments were dismissed by the ruling APC as political excuses, but his claim of having real-time intelligence on bandits highlights a troubling disconnect between state leaders and federal security organs.
While the North-West bleeds under banditry and Niger State suffers repeated boat accidents, the President’s absence has left a vacuum.
State chapters of the APC have increasingly spoken on his behalf, while urgent matters from lifting emergency measures in Rivers State to addressing ASUU’s looming strike wait unresolved.
Tinubu’s supporters point to diplomatic successes, such as Finland’s jailing of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, as evidence of effective international engagement.
Yet critics argue that true leadership requires presence and decisive domestic action not just global appearances.
Even symbolic gestures have backfired. The Federal Government’s controversial N200,000 reward for a Nigerian teenager who won an English contest abroad drew backlash after the Education Ministry denied official involvement.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s defenders say foreign trips are vital for investment, but opponents insist Nigeria cannot afford a “hardly working” presidency in times of crisis.
Also read: Ndume Urges Tinubu to Prioritize North-East in 2025 Budget
As insecurity worsens, state resources falter, and unions threaten strikes, the President’s absence looms larger than his promises abroad.
