President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday departed Abuja for a two-nation official visit to Japan and Brazil, making a short stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, en route.

 

His aircraft departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 11:15 a.m., with senior government officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Finance Wale Edun, present at the airport to see him off.

 

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s first destination is Yokohama, Japan, where he will participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.

 

Themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” the conference will spotlight ways to fast-track Africa’s economic growth through private investment, innovation, and stronger governance institutions. During his visit, the President will attend plenary sessions, engage in bilateral talks with world leaders, and meet with Japanese business leaders, including investors with existing and potential projects in Nigeria.

 

Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has been organised by the Japanese government in partnership with the United Nations, UN Development Programme, African Union Commission, and World Bank. It is held every three years, alternating between Japan and an African host country. The 2022 edition took place in Tunisia.

 

From Japan, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil for a state visit from August 24 to 25, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In Brazil, he is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral discussions, attend the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, and witness the signing of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding designed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

 

Accompanying the President is a high-level delegation of ministers and senior aides, who will join him in promoting new investment and trade opportunities for Nigeria in both Japan and Brazil.