President Tinubu Embarks on Three-Day Official Visit to Equatorial Guinea

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ABUJA—President Bola Tinubu is set to depart the Presidential Villa in Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Wednesday, August 14, for a three-day official visit. The trip is at the invitation of Equatorial Guinea's President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, according to a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday.

The visit will center on discussions around investment and security in the Central African region. Ngelale noted that President Tinubu and President Nguema Mbasogo are expected to sign agreements, particularly in the sectors of oil and gas and regional security.

Accompanying President Tinubu on the trip will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, along with other key members of his cabinet, who will be involved in the signing of agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

This visit to Equatorial Guinea continues President Tinubu's active foreign diplomacy since assuming office in May 2023. He has previously visited countries including France, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, with a focus on attracting foreign investment. According to Minister of Information Idris Mohammed, these international efforts have resulted in over $15 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) pledges across various sectors of Nigeria's economy.

However, the President’s international engagements have not been without scrutiny. A recent analysis by Nairametrics revealed that within one year, the foreign trips by the President, Vice President, First Lady, and the Chief of Staff have cost the nation approximately N16.06 billion, including expenditures on the Presidential Air Fleet.

This latest visit to Equatorial Guinea underscores President Tinubu's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's economic and security partnerships on the global stage.