Tinubu Spends 59 Days in 8 Trips to France: Nigerians Question Purpose, Priorities

 

Tinubu’s Frequent Trips to France Stir Debate Over Priorities and Transparency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing visit to Paris, France—his eighth since assuming office on May 29, 2023—has reignited national debate about the frequency of his international travels, particularly to France, and the lack of tangible reciprocation or visible outcomes.

By the time he returns from this current “working retreat,” as described by his media aides, President Tinubu would have spent no fewer than 59 days in France in less than a year in office. This pattern, observers say, has turned the European nation into his most frequented destination—whether for summits, state engagements, or undisclosed personal matters.

While the presidency insists the current trip is meant for performance appraisal and strategic planning ahead of Tinubu’s second year in office, critics argue it follows an emerging pattern of avoidable foreign stays under the guise of diplomacy or reflection.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, described the trip as a retreat to assess the administration’s reform efforts and refine its focus. He claimed that the president remains engaged with governance remotely and will return in a fortnight.

However, voices of concern have grown louder. Development analyst Jide Ojo questioned why such a review couldn’t be conducted within Nigeria’s borders.

“Why France?” Ojo asked pointedly. “If it's not for medical reasons, why not reflect and evaluate his governance right here at home?”

Ojo’s criticism echoes widespread sentiment that these international sojourns have become symbolic of a governance style disconnected from domestic realities, especially amid mounting insecurity and economic hardship.

“The President doesn’t have to travel abroad to hold a retreat. He can isolate himself at the Aso Villa, his Lagos residence, or even use serene locations within Nigeria like Obudu Cattle Ranch,” Ojo said.

He also pointed out that Tinubu has not made a habit of personally visiting project sites or regions affected by tragedy. “A hundred people could be killed, and the president merely sends emissaries. A more empathetic leader would return home or cut short engagements to stand with his people.”

The pattern of travel began almost immediately after Tinubu’s inauguration, with a visit to Paris in June 2023 to attend the New Global Financial Pact summit. Since then, the trips have ranged from official state visits to undefined “private” stays, including stopovers en route to other engagements, like the African Union summit in Addis Ababa in February 2025.

Critics, including opposition politicians like PDP chieftain Timothy Osadolor, have repeatedly accused the president of disguising medical trips as official business.

“Every time the president travels to France, we are told it is for strategic engagement, but Nigerians are no longer fooled. We believe these are mostly medical trips,” Osadolor stated.

He called for investments in world-class healthcare facilities within Nigeria. “Instead of budgeting billions for the State House Clinic and presidential villa renovations, why not focus on building hospitals that serve all Nigerians?”

Indeed, while the French president Emmanuel Macron has hosted Tinubu for one official state visit, he has yet to make a reciprocal trip to Nigeria. For many, this lack of visible diplomatic balance only reinforces suspicions that the repeated Paris trips serve more personal than national interests.

In October 2024, Tinubu took a two-week annual leave in the UK but then quietly shifted to Paris for an undisclosed “important engagement.” Similar unannounced or vaguely described visits followed in January and August, raising more transparency concerns.

In the backdrop of all this are Nigeria’s pressing domestic challenges—rising inflation, worsening security crises, and dwindling foreign reserves. Despite some reported economic improvements, including an increase in net forex reserves as claimed by the presidency, many Nigerians question the real value of the president’s foreign visits.

Osadolor summed it up: “A president’s presence and attention are crucial, especially during national emergencies. You can’t solve all problems from Paris.”

With each new trip, the calls for clarity and accountability grow louder. As Nigeria marks the second year of Tinubu’s presidency, many citizens are watching—not just where he’s going, but what tangible progress is left in his wake.