Nothing Working in Nigeria-Atiku
Juliet Jacob
In one year (May 29 2023-May 29 2024) the nation’s health sector is a shadow of a consulting room. No clear policy direction. Although President Bola Tinubu said he would end medical tourism by his appointees and civil servants in his administration, the president has travelled for medical care on a numer of occasions under the guise of business to attract foreign investors.
His government in one year has yet to unfold plans to better the health of the citizens without spending their life savings on health. The Universal Health Insurance Coverage still remains at 5%, far behind Ghana, which began the race at the same time with Nigeria.
The failure to deliver on affordable health care for the citizens is a serious indication that the critical health sector is being neglected or outrightly abandoned.
In appraising the first anniversary of the Tinubu-led government, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar stated, “Nothing is working in Nigeria”. This affects the health sector as well. The sector if given due priority should have seen urgent upgrade of medical facilities. But the president has continued to jet out of the country for functions not directly connected to improving the health sector of the nation. His aides have struggled to dismiss reports that Tinubu travels out of the country on medical grounds since he came to power.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu has made over 15 foreign trips, averaging just under two per month. These trips have been a strategic part of efforts to keep him in good health and his administration’s efforts to attract foreign investment and enhance Nigeria’s global standing.
Reports indicate that the president has spent at least 3.4 billion naira ($2.2 million) on travel in his first six months, exceeding the budgeted amount for 2023 by 36%.
Bola Tinubu’s Medical Travels: A Global Health Journey
President Bola Tinubu, a longstanding figure in Nigerian politics, has faced significant health challenges over the years, necessitating international medical trips. His medical travels highlight the complexities of managing health while holding a critical public office and underscore the limitations of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
United Kingdom: A Frequent Destination
The United Kingdom, particularly London, has been a frequent destination for Tinubu’s medical treatments. In 2021, he spent several months in London for surgery and post-operative care, drawing significant media attention and raising questions about the transparency of his health issues.
United States: Seeking Advanced Medical Care
Tinubu has also sought medical care in the United States, attracted by its advanced medical facilities. Although specific details of his treatments in the US are not widely disclosed, these visits highlight the reliance of Nigerian leaders on foreign medical expertise.
France: A European Medical Hub
France, with its world-renowned hospitals and clinics in Paris, has also been a stop for Tinubu. Reports in 2021 indicated that he traveled to Paris for medical reasons, adding another European destination to his health journey.
Nigeria: Local Medical Attention
Despite his international travels, Tinubu has also sought medical attention within Nigeria. However, the local healthcare system’s significant challenges often compel high-ranking officials to seek care abroad.
Implications and Public Perception
Tinubu’s frequent medical travels highlight the disparity in healthcare quality between Nigeria and the countries he visits. This situation underscores the urgent need for healthcare reforms in Nigeria. The lack of transparency about these trips often leads to public speculation and mistrust, emphasizing the need for greater disclosure about his health status and related expenses.
Presidential Travels: A Timeline
June 2023
– Paris, Attended a two-day climate summit.
– United Kingdom, Engaged in private talks with his predecessor.
July 2023
– Guinea-Bissau, Attended an ECOWAS meeting.
– Kenya, Traveled to Nairobi.
August 2023
– Benin, Official visit.
September 2023
– India, UAE, and USA ,Attended the UN General Assembly before returning to Paris.
October 2023
-No international travel.
November 2023
– Saudi Arabia, Guinea-Bissau, and Germany, Official visits.
– Dubai, Attended the COP28 climate conference.
Economic Justification and Criticism
The Nigerian presidency has justified these trips as essential for securing foreign investments. President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is open for business, though his administration has faced criticism for the high costs associated with these travels. In response to public backlash and economic challenges, Tinubu announced a travel ban for government officials starting in April 2024, requiring his approval for any necessary foreign trips.
Benefits to Nigerians
Qatar Agreements
During a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, seven bilateral agreements were signed, covering education, employment, youth and sports development, tourism, and combating illicit trade.
Paris Summit
At the New Global Financing Pact summit in Paris, Tinubu secured commitments from major financial institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Africa Development Bank for increased investment in Nigeria.
Renewed Hope Agenda: Social Safety Nets and Impact
Poverty Alleviation and Cash Transfers
The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer program aims to support 15 million households, providing financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable.
N-Power and Skill Acquisition
Targeting five million young Nigerians over five years, these programs aim to enhance skills and employability.
Shelter and Support for the Displaced
The Renewed Hope Shelter Programme focuses on providing housing for one million households, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
With 75 billion naira allocated to support 100,000 SMEs and start-ups, additional programs target two million market women, farmers, and traders.
School Feeding and Education
The Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Programme provides meals for 10 million school children, while the Alternate School Programme supports 10 million out-of-school children.
Community Development
Grassroot projects under the Renewed Hope Community and Social Development Programme aim to improve local infrastructure and services.
Administration and Oversight
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, initially led by Dr. Betta Edu, was responsible for implementing these programs. However, Dr. Edu was recently suspended due to allegations of financial misconduct, with the Permanent Secretary, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, appointed to oversee the ministry pending an EFCC investigation.
This special report provides an overview of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels and health journey, illustrating the broader implications for Nigeria’s healthcare system and the economic and social impacts of his administration’s initiatives.
