The provided text describes the arrival of President Bola Tinubu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was welcomed by top government officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and others. The reason for the visit was not disclosed by the presidency, but the President was expected to return in the first week of February 2024, as announced on January 24.
President Tinubu’s trip marks his third visit to the country and the 14th foreign visit since assuming office eight months ago. The text details his previous foreign visits to Paris, France; London, UK; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Novo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, USA; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Berlin, Germany.
The President returns amid protests in some states over rising food and living costs. Protests occurred in Minna, Kano, Ondo, and other locations, with citizens expressing concern about the increasing cost of living. In Niger State, women blocked a major road, calling on the Tinubu administration to address the challenges of hunger. The protests were met with security intervention, including tear gas and arrests.
President Tinubu had directed a special committee on emergency food intervention to address immediate plans to alleviate suffering and prevent a further breakdown in security. Additionally, the President returns amidst rising cases of kidnapping-for-ransom, a weakening local currency, and delays in the promised student loan scheme that was supposed to meet a January deadline declared the previous October.
