Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised the value of recent foreign state visits by Nigerian leaders, insisting that such engagements must produce measurable economic benefits for citizens.

Obi made the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday, where he argued that diplomacy should go beyond ceremonial appearances and symbolic displays.

“State visits by Leaders are not tourism, and diplomacy is not a fashion parade,” he said.

According to Obi, every foreign engagement undertaken by government officials should deliver concrete outcomes capable of improving the economy and citizens’ welfare.

“Every foreign trip by government officials must deliver measurable benefits to the people, including investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, factory expansion, industrial partnerships, and job creation,” he stated.

The former Anambra State governor referenced a recent visit by former United States President Donald Trump to China, describing it as an example of strategic diplomacy linked to economic advancement.

He claimed the visit involved several global business executives and resulted in large trade agreements, including orders for Boeing aircraft, which he said demonstrated how advanced economies connect diplomacy with industrial development.

Turning to Nigeria, Obi questioned the outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, saying Nigerians were yet to see clear economic gains from the trip.

He asked what direct benefits the country secured from the engagement.

“Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural, or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths?” Obi queried.

He also criticised the size of the Nigerian delegation to the visit, listing participants as including the President, the First Lady, governors, ministers, lawmakers, State House staff, security personnel, and associates.

“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets, and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” he said.

Obi argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges, including unemployment, inflation, insecurity, poverty, and pressure on the naira, make it necessary for government spending on foreign trips to yield tangible returns.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians struggle daily to afford food and survive economic hardship, every kobo spent on foreign trips must produce tangible national value: investments, factories, jobs, exports, infrastructure, and economic opportunities,” he added.

The former presidential candidate concluded by stating that Nigeria needed leadership focused on productivity and economic results rather than ceremonial governance.