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Luxury abroad, misery at home: Why Nigerian leaders must stop wasting funds on foreign trips
DDM News

Nigerian leaders need to prioritize addressing the pressing challenges facing the country rather than engaging in frequent foreign travels that yield little tangible benefit for the citizens.
These trips, often financed by public funds, place a significant strain on the national treasury, which is already overstretched due to the country’s struggling economy.
With millions of Nigerians grappling with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, it is essential for leaders to focus on domestic solutions rather than spending excessively on international engagements.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent departure to Abu Dhabi for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has sparked conversations about the necessity of such trips, especially given Nigeria’s current economic realities.
While international events like this summit provide a platform for global collaboration and discussions on sustainable development, critics argue that the financial resources spent on these travels could be better utilized to address the critical issues plaguing the nation.
The Nigerian economy is riddled with challenges, including inflation, rising unemployment, and a weakened currency.
These issues require urgent attention and practical reforms to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The theme of the summit, “The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” focuses on accelerating sustainable development globally.
While this aligns with Nigeria’s aspirations for growth, it is worth questioning whether the outcomes of such events translate into measurable progress for the country.
Nigerian leaders often attend these global summits, yet the nation continues to struggle with energy shortages, inadequate healthcare systems, and failing infrastructure.
The disparity between the objectives of these international engagements and the realities on the ground underscores the need for a shift in priorities.
Nigeria’s energy sector, for instance, remains in a dire state despite promises of reform and investments.
Frequent power outages disrupt businesses, hinder productivity, and contribute to the high cost of living.
Instead of attending international conferences to discuss global energy policies, Nigerian leaders should focus on implementing policies and projects that ensure reliable power supply at home.
This would not only improve the quality of life for citizens but also attract local and foreign investments, thereby boosting economic growth.
Similarly, the country’s healthcare system is in a deplorable condition, with many citizens unable to access basic medical services.
Hospitals are underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped, leading to poor health outcomes and a reliance on medical tourism by the elite.
Rather than spending money on foreign travels, resources should be directed toward revamping the healthcare sector, providing adequate funding, and training medical personnel to meet the needs of Nigerians.
In the realm of transportation, Nigeria’s infrastructure continues to decay, with dilapidated roads and inadequate public transport systems.
These issues hamper economic activities and contribute to the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Instead of showcasing reforms on international stages, the government should focus on tangible improvements that citizens can see and experience.
Public trust in the government is eroded when leaders prioritize international visibility over domestic accountability.
Nigerians are calling for a leadership approach that is rooted in action, transparency, and the prudent management of resources.
Attending global summits may have diplomatic and strategic value, but these should not come at the expense of addressing urgent domestic issues.
To restore confidence in governance, Nigerian leaders must demonstrate a commitment to fixing the economy and uplifting the standard of living for the people.
This requires cutting unnecessary expenses, such as frequent foreign travels, and channeling those funds into developmental projects that directly impact citizens.
Investing in agriculture, education, and small and medium enterprises can drive sustainable growth and create opportunities for the teeming population.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s leaders must recognize that the true measure of leadership lies in the ability to address the needs of the people effectively.
While international collaborations are important, they should not overshadow the pressing need to fix the country’s decaying economy.
By prioritizing domestic reforms and ensuring prudent use of public funds, Nigerian leaders can pave the way for a prosperous future that benefits all citizens.
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