Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Tinubu administration after Nigeria’s booth was left empty on Wednesday at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Japan.
Atiku, in a statement shared on his social media platforms, described the incident as “an ongoing show of shame,” noting that the absence of officials at such a critical international investment forum was a reflection of poor governance.
“Just like the ongoing show of shame at the empty Nigerian booth in faraway Japan, two years into this administration, we are probably waiting for an official inauguration or preferably an ‘unveiling’ of Renewed Hope before Nigerians can experience good governance,” Atiku wrote.
The development was first made public in a viral post from Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub, who lamented finding Nigeria’s booth unmanned on the first day of the three-day conference. Bello, who described himself as “ashamed” of the situation, said he had to step in to engage visitors and potential investors, offering them insights into the country’s economic opportunities.
Many Nigerians have also questioned the government’s preparedness and commitment to attracting foreign partnerships at a forum specifically designed to deepen Africa’s development ties with Japan and other global partners.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected claims that Nigeria abandoned its stand. In a statement, the ministry explained that the booth had “not yet been opened” on Wednesday, stressing that it was scheduled for official inauguration on Thursday, the second day of the conference.