Aso Rock Defends Rwanda Delegation, Says Tinubu’s Diplomatic Engagements Are Delivering Economic Gains
The Presidency has strongly criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his comments concerning President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips and Nigeria’s delegation to the African CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Aso Rock accused Obi of promoting “populism over facts” while failing to acknowledge the real purpose and economic significance of the president’s international engagements.
The reaction followed Obi’s remarks that diplomacy should go beyond ceremonial appearances and symbolic displays, insisting that foreign trips by government officials should be judged by the direct economic benefits they bring to ordinary Nigerians.
Responding on Saturday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, defended the composition of Nigeria’s delegation to the Rwanda forum, arguing that the trip involved some of the country’s most influential business leaders and investors.
According to the Presidency, the Nigerian team at the African CEO Forum included top industrialists such as Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Tony Elumelu, Wale Tinubu and Jim Ovia, a development it said reflected the seriousness of Nigeria’s participation at the event.
The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu’s foreign engagements are not designed for media publicity or staged political optics, but are strategic efforts focused on attracting investments, strengthening trade partnerships and improving Nigeria’s economic standing globally.
Aso Rock argued that genuine diplomacy goes beyond photo opportunities and public ceremonies, stressing that international engagements often involve deeper discussions around investment confidence, security cooperation, trade negotiations and long-term economic partnerships.
According to the statement, President Tinubu used the Kigali meeting and several other international visits to position Nigeria for future economic growth through direct engagement with global investors and business leaders.
The Presidency also rejected comparisons between Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy and that of the United States, insisting that both countries operate under completely different economic realities and levels of global influence.
It further claimed that the Tinubu administration has already secured investment commitments across key sectors including technology, agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals and energy through sustained international diplomacy and economic outreach.
The statement also highlighted several reforms introduced under the current administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market, expansion of student loan schemes, increased allocations to states, support for compressed natural gas initiatives, manufacturing interventions and food security programmes.
According to the Presidency, diplomacy should not be treated like entertainment where every international meeting must produce dramatic announcements or media spectacles before being considered successful.
Aso Rock also dismissed criticisms surrounding the size of presidential delegations and travel arrangements, insisting that presidential trips involve constitutional responsibilities, diplomatic protocols and national security considerations.
The Presidency stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on economic recovery, attracting foreign investments and implementing long-term reforms aimed at stabilising the country’s economy.
In a subtle political swipe at Obi, the statement also referenced his history of moving across political parties over the years, suggesting that consistency and stability are important when making public comments on governance and national leadership.
