President’s European absence draws scrutiny over Nigeria’s domestic challenges

An opinion article has questioned the political cost of President Bola Tinubu’s month-long stay in Europe, linking his absence to concerns about Nigeria’s economic, security and diplomatic challenges. The article says Tinubu returned to Lagos from Paris and described his trip as enjoyable. It also reports that he dismissed concerns about his health, saying he was healthy and ready to work.

The writer argues that a president’s holiday attracts public scrutiny because the office is a public one. The article cites projections that about 34.8 million Nigerians faced crisis-level food insecurity during the lean season, while public debt was described as about N716,822 per citizen. It also points to security incidents reported by police between September 5 and 11, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and homicides.

The article references the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna and the abduction of 78 pupils in Borno, while noting military operations that killed suspected terrorists and rescued kidnap victims. A central criticism concerns Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly after plans for him to participate had been publicised. Vice-President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s statement instead, as he had done at previous assemblies, according to the article.

The writer compares Nigeria’s statement with an address by Kenyan President William Ruto. Nigeria’s speech sought cheaper finance, debt arrangements and fiscal space, while Ruto argued that Africa should present proposals based on its resources, population and economic potential. The article acknowledges that Nigeria’s statement raised issues about global power distribution and sought partnerships in technology and innovation.

It nevertheless argues that the country appeared to be asking for financial assistance rather than presenting a broader strategic offer.