President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission to two Southern African nations, reinforcing Nigeria's role on the global stage. The President will depart from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Diplomatic Agenda: G20 and AU-EU Engagements
The first leg of the President's journey will take him to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 20th summit of the G20 Leaders. The gathering of the world's top 20 economies, including the European Union and the African Union, is scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu's attendance comes following a formal invitation from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who currently presides over the G20 group. This invitation follows a previous one extended by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his 2024 presidency of the group.
Beyond the main summit proceedings, President Tinubu is expected to hold crucial bilateral meetings focused on regional and international peace, security, and development.
Continental Collaboration in Angola
Following the G20 summit, President Tinubu will proceed to Luanda, Angola, to participate in the 7th African Union-European Union (AU-EU) summit. This high-level meeting, which brings together heads of state from both continents, is slated for November 24th to 25th, 2025.
This two-stop tour underscores the administration's commitment to active participation in multilateral forums that shape global economic and political discourse.
Public Reaction and Domestic Context
The announcement of the President's travel has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing concern over the timing. Users highlighted the prevailing security challenges within Nigeria, including kidnappings and attacks, urging the President to prioritize domestic issues.
One user, @detayomanuel, commented, "The Nation is literally in flames... Please, stay at home and fix things." Another, @Oobasi, stated, "Nigeria is facing escalating insecurity... Yet the President is flying out for another summit while the country bleeds."
This public sentiment emerges against the backdrop of President Tinubu's recent condemnation of terrorist attacks, including the tragic death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The President had directed security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria upon the conclusion of the two international meetings in Angola.
