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From Fred Itua, Abuja
A good governance advocacy group, The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has dismissed criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign travels, describing the trips as strategic engagements that have been delivering concrete economic, diplomatic and security benefits to Nigeria.
The group, in a statement, said contrary to claims by opposition figures, the president’s international trips have resulted in landmark agreements, restoration of diplomatic ties, and unlocking of investments critical to national development.
According to HAI, Tinubu’s visit to China secured multi-billion-dollar investments and strategic cooperation agreements aimed at accelerating industrialisation and job creation.
The group noted that the visit attracted $3.3billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex in Bayelsa State, a project expected to boost petrochemical outputs and significantly reduce imports.
HAI added that the China visit also yielded vehicle manufacturing and assembly agreements with Chilwee Group and Choice International Group, including the production of electric tricycles for modern urban transport, as well as Smart City development partnerships with Huawei. It further stated that Nigeria gained priority access to China’s $51billion African development pledge under the expanded strategic partnership.
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The group recalled that before Tinubu visited the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria faced visa restrictions and flight suspensions. It said the trip successfully resolved the diplomatic standoff, leading to the lifting of visa bans and the resumption of flights without debt repayment conditions.
According to the statement, the UAE visit also produced a multi-billion-dollar investment framework, covering defence, agriculture and infrastructure, including $45million in support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for the Minna–Bida Road project.
HAI said additional gains included duty-free access for over 7,000 Nigerian products and the gradual elimination of tariffs on machinery, vehicles and apparel within three to five years.
In the statement signed by HAI’s Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omo, the group stated: “President Tinubu’s shuttle diplomacy is working and bearing fruits for all to see. For once, we have a president active in the diplomatic space, working hard to attract foreign investments and improve Nigeria’s image. This is commendable.”
HAI further highlighted the President’s state visit to Brazil, which it said strengthened Nigeria’s food security and technological capacity through the $1.1billion Green Imperative Project. The initiative, the group noted, would deliver 10,000 tractors and 50,000 units of farm equipment nationwide.
