Former Labour Party presidential candidate, , has criticized what he described as “ceremonial diplomacy” by the Nigerian government, insisting that foreign trips by national leaders must produce measurable economic benefits for citizens.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Obi argued that state visits should not be reduced to tourism, fashion displays, or photo opportunities, but should instead focus on attracting investments, industrial partnerships, technology transfer, and job creation.
According to Obi, serious nations align diplomacy with economic expansion and national productivity. He pointed to the recent visit of President Trump to China as an example of strategic state engagement, noting that the American delegation reportedly included influential business and technology executives and several top financial and industrial leaders.
Obi stated that the visit reportedly yielded multi-billion-dollar trade agreements, including large-scale aircraft orders .
Drawing comparisons with President ’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, Obi questioned the economic value of the Nigerian delegation’s trip.
“A large entourage of politicians, aides, and government officials travelled, yet Nigerians are still asking a simple question: what exactly did Nigeria bring home?” Obi asked.
The former Anambra governor demanded clarity on the outcomes of the visit, asking what factories, investments, manufacturing agreements, agricultural partnerships, or technology deals were secured for Nigeria. He also questioned how many direct jobs the trip would create for Nigerian youths.
Obi further criticized what he described as excessive government spending on foreign trips at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling economic hardship, food inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and declining industrial productivity.
“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets, and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” he said.
He maintained that every kobo spent on international engagements must translate into tangible national value, including infrastructure development, exports, industrial growth, and economic opportunities for citizens.
Obi concluded by calling for leadership focused on “productivity rather than optics” and reiterated his popular political message that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
