Nigeria’s Embassy Booth Left Unmanned at Tokyo International Conference, Sparking Criticism of President Tinubu’s Administration
The 9th Tokyo International Conference on Africa (TICAD9) in Japan has brought to light the apparent incompetence of Nigeria’s government, as its embassy booth was left unmanned, sparking criticism from the opposition and Nigerians alike. This development has raised concerns about the country’s representation at international events and the effectiveness of its diplomatic efforts.
The incident was first reported by an X user, @Idrisayobello, who expressed disappointment and shame upon discovering that Nigeria’s booth was unattended, despite a large entourage accompanying President Bola Tinubu to the event. The user took it upon themselves to engage visitors, designating themselves as “Honorary Consul.”
Bolaji Abdullahi, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), seized on the opportunity to criticize President Tinubu’s administration for its failure to appoint ambassadors two years after assuming office. Abdullahi argued that this lapse in representation has hindered Nigeria’s ability to benefit from international partnerships and has embarrassed the nation on the global stage.
“The APC Government’s incompetence has followed the President to Japan,” Abdullahi wrote on X. “The President travelled with a large entourage, yet there was no one at the Nigerian booth. After this jamboree, who will follow up to ensure that Nigeria actually benefits from #TICAD9?”
Abdullahi also questioned the government’s priorities, stating that instead of appointing ambassadors, they had chosen to appoint KWAM 1, a Nigerian musician. This, he said, was an example of the administration’s “anyhowness” – a term used to describe a lack of seriousness or accountability in governance.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment and frustration with the government’s performance. The lack of representation at the TICAD9 has raised concerns about the country’s ability to engage with international partners and promote its interests on the global stage.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, it remains to be seen how the government will address the criticism and improve its representation at international events.
