A Nigerian financial expert and educator, Kalu Aja, has stirred conversation online after questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to take his annual vacation abroad.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Aja posed a simple but thought-provoking question:
“Why can’t the President set an example and holiday in Nigeria?”
His comment comes shortly after the Presidency announced that Tinubu had departed Abuja for a 10-day working vacation in Europe. According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will spend his leave between France and the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria.
Nigerians React to Tinubu’s Travel Culture
Tinubu’s foreign travels have been a hot topic since he assumed office. Many Nigerians argue that the President’s constant trips abroad reflect an “excessive foreign travel culture.” Critics even point out that he has already spent nearly a quarter of his presidency outside the country.
For Kalu Aja and many other concerned citizens, the issue is not merely about where the President rests. It’s about leadership by example. If the nation’s leader prioritizes vacationing in Europe over destinations within Nigeria, it raises questions about his confidence in the country’s tourism potential.
Why This Matters
Nigeria is rich in tourist attractions—from the beautiful Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River to Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi, and the vibrant beaches of Lagos. By vacationing locally, Tinubu could showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential, support the domestic economy, and inspire citizens to invest more in homegrown leisure.
Instead, his choice of Europe has renewed debate over the disconnect between government leaders and the everyday Nigerian experience.
Final Thoughts
Kalu Aja’s remark may have been short, but it touches on a much larger issue—how leaders’ actions reflect their commitment to national growth and patriotism. Whether or not the President will take future holidays in Nigeria remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: citizens are paying close attention.
