By Jude Opara, Abuja
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his strategic international engagements, saying they have recorded measurable economic and diplomatic gains for Nigeria.
Professor Yilwatda in a statement by his
Special Adviser, Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki said President Tinubu’s foreign travels and meetings with world leaders are not ceremonial but purposeful actions that have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted huge foreign investment into the country.
“Mr. President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity,” Professor Yilwatda stated.
The APC boss added that since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has undertaken a series of international visits to key regions including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas; where he engaged leaders and investors in nations including: the USA, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, etc.
He further said that Nigeria has already secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments through President Tinubu’s diplomatic drive, with major companies and sectors committing to investments that span energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, infrastructure and many more.
“These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy”.
Yilwatda equally referred to recent diplomatic achievements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, designed to deepen trade, investment, and cooperation across critical sectors including energy and agriculture.
While taking a swipe at critics who have described the President’s international travels as “overdone” or unnecessary, Professor Yilwatda said such perspectives reflect short-sightedness and a lack of appreciation for the broader reform trajectory the administration has championed.
“Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic, and necessary.
“We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said, implicitly countering sceptical commentary by political commentators and opponents”.
The APC Chairman argued that the President has the capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, which demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and making living easier for the citizenry.
“Mr. President has shown both the vision and the determination to see through the reforms this nation needs. Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Professor Yilwatda concluded.
