Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Diplomatic Tour of Saint Lucia and Brazil

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Abuja on Saturday night after wrapping up a two-week international mission to Saint Lucia and Brazil.

His return marked the end of his latest diplomatic journey, which focused on building strategic partnerships and attending a global summit.

The President touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was received by senior government officials. Among those present were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko; and Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.

Tinubu left Nigeria on June 28, beginning with an official visit to Saint Lucia. His trip coincided with the island nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary and aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with Caribbean nations under the broader South-South cooperation framework.

From Saint Lucia, the President proceeded to Brazil on July 4 to take part in the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The summit brought together heads of state from major emerging economies to discuss economic growth, sustainable development, and global governance reform.

President Tinubu’s aircraft, a San Marino-registered Boeing Business Jet (T7-NAS), departed Galeão International Airport in Rio at 12:50 p.m. local time (4:50 p.m. Nigerian time) before landing in Abuja.

This latest trip adds to the President’s extensive travel record since taking office in May 2023. To date, he has embarked on no fewer than 41 foreign trips, visiting at least 28 countries across multiple continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

France remains the President’s most visited destination, with six official trips, followed by the United Kingdom with four, and the United Arab Emirates with three. He has also visited key global players like the United States, China, India, and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to boost foreign relations and economic engagement.

The trips have spanned various purposes—ranging from high-level diplomatic missions to global summits, investment forums, and state ceremonies—forming a core part of the administration’s foreign policy strategy.