Embarrassment for Nigeria as Delegation Fails to Attend International Summit in Japan

Official Delegation Missing, Idris Bello Takes Charge of Nigeria’s Unmanned Booth in Japan

Nigeria faced international embarrassment at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan as its official delegation failed to show up, leaving the country’s exhibition booth unmanned. The summit, which President Bola Tinubu is attending, brings together global leaders to discuss Africa’s economic growth, innovation, and investment opportunities.

Idris Ayo Bello, Co-Founder of Wennovation Hub, highlighted the glaring absence on social media platform X. He expressed disappointment at seeing Nigeria’s stand empty while other nations actively showcased their economic potential.

Despite the likelihood that officials were granted travel allowances (estacodes) to attend the event, Bello noted that no one represented Nigeria. Taking initiative to salvage the country’s image, he informally assumed the role of an “Honorary Consul” and engaged with visitors at the booth.

“For hours, I fielded questions from international delegates and investors on topics ranging from agriculture and real estate to oil, gas, manufacturing, and even fashion,” Bello said. He added that his impromptu representation drew attention from Nikkei Asia, one of Japan’s leading financial publications, which interviewed him about why Nigeria remains a strategic partner for Japan amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Bello lamented, “It is sad that Nigeria is the only unmanned booth at TICAD9. So ashamed, I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors. Thank God for residual knowledge from my life as an Afropreneur.”

The Nigerian State House had previously announced that President Tinubu would depart Abuja on August 14 for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai. In Japan, the President is attending TICAD9 in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. Under the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” the conference emphasizes Africa’s economic transformation, private sector-led development, and the creation of a sustainable and resilient society.

In addition to attending plenary sessions, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and meet with CEOs of Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.

Bello’s unexpected intervention serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s lack of representation at critical international forums and has sparked discussions about the need for more proactive participation in global events.