Critics Slam Tinubu’s UK Visit As Misplaced Priority Amid Nigeria’s Hardship

Critics Slam Tinubu’s UK Visit as Misplaced Priority Amid Nigeria’s Hardship President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures who say his frequent foreign travels come at the expense of urgently needed attention to Nigeria’s domestic challenges, including soaring fuel prices and insecurity. The president, accompanied by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, and top government officials, is in the UK for a state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring deeper cooperation. However, Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Lagos governorship candidate, described the timing of the trip as “unprecedented” and ill‑timed given the economic hardships facing ordinary Nigerians, particularly high petrol and diesel prices. “The President has spent a significant amount of time travelling outside the country while the people are experiencing extreme hardship,” Rhodes‑Vivour said in an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. “I don’t think this visit is a priority right now.” He argued that while the state visit might boost Tinubu’s personal and political optics, it does little to ease the daily struggles of the average Nigerian. “Visiting abroad may add legitimacy and credibility to his position as President… but I don’t see how it benefits the average Nigerian.”

Rhodes‑Vivour also lamented Nigeria’s ongoing security problems, saying the government appears more focused on foreign engagements than addressing persistent threats to citizens’ safety. “We can barely protect our own citizens,” he added, asserting that government priorities seem misaligned with the nation’s pressing needs. The criticism comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with high inflation, fuel price instability, and widespread concerns over insecurity in several regions. Many opposition figures and civil society groups have repeatedly called on the Tinubu administration to focus more on tackling these internal issues rather than embarking on frequent overseas trips.

While the presidency has maintained that such foreign visits are essential for diplomatic relations and international collaboration, opponents contend that visible improvements in economic conditions and security should be the government’s immediate priority.