Liborous Oshoma questions cost-benefit of international travels amid Nigeria’s security and economic challenges
Legal practitioner and political analyst Liborous Oshoma has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s travel-heavy diplomatic approach, arguing that the administration should redirect resources toward tackling pressing domestic issues.
Speaking on Channels Television, Oshoma questioned the rationale behind the president’s frequent international engagements, particularly when Nigeria faces mounting insecurity, inflation, and widespread poverty.
Since his inauguration, President Tinubu has embarked on 46 foreign trips, spending a total of 192 days outside the country as of October 2025.
Oshoma contended that many of Tinubu’s international commitments could be handled remotely, suggesting that resources currently expended on travel could be redirected to critical sectors within Nigeria. He suggested that the president spend more time at home to personally evaluate the challenges faced by Nigerians, rather than relying solely on briefings from aides.
The lawyer criticized the pattern of high-profile international trips coinciding with deteriorating conditions at home. He further argued that effective leadership begins with strengthening domestic institutions, not seeking validation abroad, noting that the United States built strong institutions first and now commands global respect.
Oshoma also extended his criticism to state governors who frequently travel abroad claiming investment-attraction missions while ignoring domestic stability. He argued that international partners are more concerned about Nigeria’s internal challenges—insecurity, hunger, and injustice than its global image.
The observations reflect growing public discontent with the administration’s international engagement schedule during a period of acute fiscal constraint and security challenges.
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