While Nigerians Battle Hunger and Inflation, Tinubu Jets Off to Saint Lucia and Brazil on Costly Diplomatic Mission

 

Nigerians are expressing growing outrage and disbelief as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departs the country for a dual-nation tour of Saint Lucia and Brazil, amid a worsening economic situation and rising insecurity at home. The journey, described by the presidency as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Global South, has instead drawn sharp criticism from citizens and observers who argue the timing is completely out of touch with the realities facing millions of Nigerians.

Announced on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit is officially aimed at promoting cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, education, youth empowerment and diplomatic relations. However, the optics of the trip have left many Nigerians stunned, especially as the nation reels from high inflation, a rapidly weakening naira, and persistent fuel and electricity shortages.

According to the statement, Tinubu’s first stop is the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, where he is set to meet with top officials including Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre. A key highlight of the visit will be Tinubu’s address to a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, an event scheduled to take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet. Regional leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), diplomats, and members of the Nigerian community have been invited to attend.

This diplomatic charm offensive continues with a high-level luncheon hosted by the President for OECS heads of government, where discussions will center on deepening economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean. The president will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to explore opportunities for academic collaboration.

Reactions have flooded social media, with many users calling the trip unnecessary and ill-timed. “We can't afford food, power or transportation, yet our president is globetrotting like nothing’s wrong,” tweeted a user. Another wrote, “What exactly is Nigeria gaining from a state visit to Saint Lucia? Who advised this?”

Beyond the symbolic optics, critics argue that the financial cost of such a trip, especially with a high-level entourage, sends a damaging message to Nigerians who are being told to “tighten their belts” as the government rolls out austerity measures.

The presidency, however, insists the mission aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which seeks to integrate the African diaspora into the continent’s growth strategy. It further argues that the visit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bonds with Caribbean nations as part of a broader geopolitical reorientation toward Global South solidarity.

After concluding engagements in Saint Lucia, Tinubu is scheduled to head to Brazil, where he will attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The summit, themed Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance, brings together key emerging economies including South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia, all of whom are African members of the BRICS alliance.

Nigeria has been invited as a “partner country”, a designation higher than guest status but short of full membership. The presidency emphasized that this represents a diplomatic upgrade and a sign of growing international recognition of Nigeria’s regional influence.

Yet for many Nigerians, the diplomatic accolades ring hollow in light of daily realities. With food inflation reaching historic levels, widespread job losses, and a healthcare system on the brink, the sight of the President embarking on ceremonial visits abroad feels tone-deaf. Many argue that his focus should remain on resolving the deepening crises at home before courting global partnerships.

Accompanying Tinubu are several senior government officials, though details of the delegation have not been disclosed. The presidency maintains that the trip will yield long-term benefits and strengthen Nigeria’s position on the world stage. But as discontent continues to simmer on the streets and online, the question remains whether international goodwill can truly substitute for domestic stability.

For now, what was intended as a diplomatic triumph has been widely received as yet another example of elite disconnect from the suffering of everyday Nigerians.