In 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertook a series of international trips, reinforcing Nigeria’s global presence and fostering diplomatic, economic, and political relations with various nations. His extensive travels were framed within the context of strengthening Nigeria’s influence on the world stage, while also addressing critical issues such as energy cooperation, economic partnerships, and regional stability. In this report, Sultan Rabiu highlights Tinubu’s 2024 travels, detailing the precise dates and destinations from January to date.
January 24 – February 6: Private Visit to Paris, France
President Tinubu began his travels on January 24 with a 14-day private visit to Paris, France. This trip, which lasted until February 6, was described as a personal engagement. While the specifics of his activities remained largely private, the trip set the tone for his year of international diplomacy. During this time, the President was able to hold informal meetings and engage in personal matters that were not immediately publicised.
February 15 – 19: African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
From February 15 to 19, President Tinubu attended the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This four-day summit focused on African unity and development. Tinubu’s participation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to pan-African cooperation and its leadership role within the continent. The session discussed pressing issues, including regional conflicts, economic integration, and climate change.
February 29 – March 4: Official Visit to Doha, Qatar
President Tinubu then travelled to Doha, Qatar, from February 29 to March 4, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Qatar. This trip was part of ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s ties with the Middle East, focusing on energy partnerships, trade, and infrastructure development. Nigeria and Qatar share interests in the oil and gas sectors, which made the visit strategically important for the country’s economic growth.
April 2: Inauguration of President Basirou Faye in Senegal
On April 2, President Tinubu attended the inauguration of Senegalese President Basirou Faye in Dakar, Senegal. His presence underscored Nigeria’s support for democratic processes in West Africa, demonstrating a continued commitment to regional stability and solidarity with neighbouring nations.
April 23 – 26: State Visit to the Netherlands
From April 23 to April 26, President Tinubu visited the Netherlands on a state visit to further strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries. During the trip, the President met with Dutch officials to discuss energy partnerships, climate change, and agricultural collaboration. The Netherlands has long been a key European partner for Nigeria, particularly in the sectors of trade and renewable energy.
April 26 – 28: Participation in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Following his visit to the Netherlands, President Tinubu travelled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 26 to 28 to participate in the Special World Economic Forum on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development. The forum brought together leaders from around the world to discuss sustainable development, energy, and economic growth. Tinubu’s participation highlighted Nigeria’s aspirations to diversify its economy and attract investment in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
April 29 – May 8: United Kingdom Visit
From April 29 to May 8, President Tinubu visited the United Kingdom, where he spent nine days in a combination of official and private engagements. His meetings with British officials focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and investment. While in the UK, the President also engaged in discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges and economic reforms.
May 23: Visit to N’Djamena, Chad
On May 23, President Tinubu travelled to N’Djamena, Chad, to attend the inauguration of President Idriss Déby Itno. Tinubu’s presence at the event underscored Nigeria’s diplomatic support for its neighbouring nations and the importance of regional cooperation in Central Africa.
June 18 – 20: Inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa
From June 18 to 20, President Tinubu travelled to Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit was an opportunity for both leaders to engage in bilateral talks aimed at strengthening economic ties and promoting cooperation in the areas of trade, security, and infrastructure development.
July 19 – 22: African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana
Between July 19 and 22, President Tinubu attended the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Accra, Ghana. The meeting focused on regional cooperation and collaboration, with discussions centred on peace and security in Africa, as well as economic integration. Tinubu’s attendance underscored Nigeria’s leadership role in the AU and its commitment to advancing regional stability and development.
August 14 – 17: Official Visit to Equatorial Guinea
From August 14 to 17, President Tinubu visited Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for a three-day official visit to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties in Central Africa. The visit provided an opportunity for the two nations to discuss regional security and economic cooperation.
August 29 – September 14: Trip to China and the United Kingdom
On August 29, President Tinubu traveled to Beijing, China, to participate in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and infrastructure development. Following his time in China, Tinubu spent a week in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria on September 14.
October 1 – 16: United Kingdom and Paris
After attending Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on October 1, President Tinubu travelled to the United Kingdom for a two-week working leave. He spent nine days in the UK before heading to Paris, France, for an important engagement. He returned to Nigeria on October 16, marking the end of another extensive stretch of international engagements.
As President Bola Tinubu concluded his year of extensive international travels, the diplomatic, economic, and political significance of these trips was clear. His efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s relations with key global players, address energy challenges, and foster regional cooperation underscored the country’s growing influence on the world stage. Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts also sought to advance Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and trade, as he continued to navigate complex international landscapes.
However, amid these high-profile international engagements, many Nigerians remained concerned about the domestic implications of his extensive travel schedule. While the country’s international presence was undoubtedly strengthened, critics argued that the President’s frequent travels were becoming a point of contention, especially as Nigeria continued to grapple with economic challenges, rising poverty, and widespread dissatisfaction with the state of the economy. The recurring theme of dissatisfaction among Nigerians focused on the perceived disconnect between the President’s foreign engagements and the urgent need for domestic reforms. As the year draws to a close, the question remains whether these international successes can translate into tangible improvements for Nigeria’s people, or whether the growing gap between the country’s international standing and its domestic realities will continue to fuel public discontent in 2025.
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