NIGERIA: Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Diplomatic Tour Of Saint Lucia, Brazil

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja on Saturday night following a two-week diplomatic engagement across Saint Lucia and Brazil.

Tinubu’s aircraft, a San Marino-registered BBJ (REG: T7-NAS), touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

He was welcomed by high-ranking officials including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko; and Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.

The President departed Nigeria on June 28, beginning his tour in Saint Lucia, where he participated in events marking the Caribbean nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary.

On July 4, Tinubu proceeded to Brazil to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The summit convened leaders of emerging economies to discuss sustainable development, global financial reforms, and strategies to strengthen multilateral ties among member states.

The President’s latest international mission marks the continuation of what has become a hallmark of his foreign policy strategy: active global engagement. Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on at least 41 foreign trips to no fewer than 28 countries spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

France remains his most visited destination with six trips, followed by four to the United Kingdom and three to the United Arab Emirates. The President has also visited the United States, China, India, and Saudi Arabia for high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements.

His travels have encompassed a range of objectives including economic summits, diplomatic missions, ceremonial visits, and regional cooperation forums, all aimed at positioning Nigeria as a key player on the global stage.