President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shelved his planned official visit to the United States, redirecting his travel plans to South Africa, where he will attend the G-20 Summit later this week.
Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala confirmed the development on Saturday, noting that the President will participate in several high-level meetings with world leaders on economic partnerships, energy transition, and regional security. Tinubu is also expected to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event.
According to Bwala, discussions between both leaders will center on counterterrorism efforts and the need for balanced global cooperation in tackling extremist violence. He said the President remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s partnerships with the United States and other major economies.
“The G-20 platform provides a broader opportunity for Nigeria to engage with the world’s leading economies,” Bwala said. “President Tinubu will also take the opportunity to meet with President Trump to clarify recent misconceptions about the country’s internal security and reinforce collaboration against global terrorism.”
However, Tinubu’s decision to cancel his U.S. trip has generated controversy at home. Opposition parties and policy commentators accused the Presidency of inconsistency in foreign relations and criticized the decision to prioritize a meeting with Trump, who recently accused Nigeria of condoning Christian persecution.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement described the development as “diplomatic indecision,” urging the President to focus on restoring Nigeria’s image abroad rather than engaging in political optics.
“While global leaders are strengthening ties with Washington, Nigeria appears to be playing politics with its diplomacy,” the PDP statement read.
Some civil rights organizations also voiced concern, saying that meeting Trump could further inflame tensions following his recent social media outbursts.
Dr. Akin Oyebode, a professor of international law, said the administration should “tread carefully” in its diplomatic dealings, warning that Nigeria must not be drawn into unnecessary global controversies.
Despite the criticisms, aides insist that the G-20 engagement aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, which aims to reposition Nigeria as a strong voice in African and global governance.
