PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s numerous foreign trips have boosted Nigeria’s global standing and deepened international partnerships with long-term benefits for citizens, according to his Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Ademola Oshodi.
Speaking on Channels TV today, Oshodi said the president’s international engagements have positioned Nigeria favourably with global partners and key multilateral institutions.
He noted that the administration’s reform agenda has drawn commendation from major bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, describing Nigeria’s reform process as a model for effective policy execution.
His comments followed analysis which revealed that President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have collectively embarked on 69 foreign trips to 35 countries in 33 months, spending a total of 315 days outside the country.
Tinubu alone accounted for 245 days abroad, visiting 28 countries across 47 trips, covering about 240,000 nautical miles and logging over 380 flight hours between June 2023 and February 1, 2026.
The president’s most frequent destinations include Paris, London, cities in the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil.
Vice President Shettima, on his part, has spent 70 days abroad, visiting 16 countries across 22 trips and accumulating more than 93 flight hours.
Addressing criticism surrounding the administration’s $9 million lobbying contract with US-based DCI Group, Oshodi admitted that Nigeria needs to better manage and project its international narrative.
He warned that misinformation, particularly around insecurity and religious violence, could pose serious national security risks if left unchallenged.
On the economic hardships linked to ongoing reforms, Oshodi urged Nigerians to be patient, drawing parallels with reform experiences in countries such as the United Kingdom, China, and Ghana.
He argued that while reforms are often painful in the short term, they are necessary for long-term stability and economic recovery.
He also highlighted improved security collaboration with global partners, especially the United States, stating that international backing is strengthening Nigeria’s fight against banditry and insurgency, even if results may not be immediately visible.
Oshodi further described First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent recognition by US President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington as an important soft-power gain for Nigeria.