At the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, Nigeria’s official trade booth—a key opportunity to attract foreign investment —was found to be empty on the first day of the event.
While the conference is set to run from August 20th to 22nd, President Tinubu and his delegation arrived on the 18th, two days before the event’s start. Despite the advanced arrival, the booth was not set up on August 20th. Nigerians at the event and on social media expressed disappointment and frustration, with viral photos and videos highlighting the empty booth while other African countries were busy showcasing their potential. The incident quickly became a trending topic, sparking a national conversation about Nigeria’s diplomatic readiness.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by saying the booth was not yet officially inaugurated. This explanation was met with skepticism, as critics pointed out that a nation with as much to offer as Nigeria should have been prepared to engage from the very first minute of such a critical event.
Meanwhile, other African countries were fully prepared. Their booths were bustling with officials and delegates from the first day, actively engaging with potential partners and investors to secure deals and partnerships for their nations.
In Nigeria, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) experienced a significant drop in the first quarter of 2025, with a 70.06% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline, from $421.88 million to $126.29 million, may be attributed to infrastructure deficits, bureaucratic hurdles, and security concerns.
Investors are looking for stability, professionalism, and a serious commitment to attracting capital. An empty booth at a major summit sends the opposite message, that the country is not ready or serious about doing business.
In a show of patriotism, some private Nigerian citizens at the event took it upon themselves to man the empty booth, engaging with curious visitors and showing the world what Nigeria has to offer. Their initiative went viral, further highlighting the lack of official representation.
The incident at TICAD9 highlights a crucial point: both substance and optics matter. While high-level meetings are important, visible readiness and a clear sign of engagement are essential to building trust and attracting the much-needed foreign investment.
