Nigeria’s Mission at TICAD 9 Focused on Strategic Partnerships, Not Trade Exhibitions – Presidency Clarifies

The Presidency has debunked trending social media claims about Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, describing the narrative of an “empty Nigerian booth” as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the Presidency stressed that Nigeria’s delegation, led by the President, is in Japan with a clear focus on bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at securing tangible economic outcomes in key sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture.

“The Nigerian delegation didn’t come to Tokyo and Yokohama for a trade exhibition. We are here for strategic dialogues and negotiations that will drive growth back home,” Onanuga explained, adding that the trending video misrepresents the country’s mission.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) will be hosting an investment forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as part of the country’s structured engagements at TICAD9.

The Nigerian delegation’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with global corporate and development institutions such as Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation. In addition, several ministers are holding bilateral sideline discussions.

Specifically, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is spearheading talks with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to activate power sector projects, including the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement designed to strengthen grid stability, a $190 million renewable energy access program, and a vocational training partnership between NAPTIN and JICA. The minister is also set to meet with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Toshiba and Hitachi.

Similarly, the Bank of Industry, under the leadership of Dr. Supo Olusi, is engaging JICA and other multilateral institutions on its annual global fund syndication.

Onanuga emphasized that social media posts often paint an incomplete or sensational picture, insisting that Nigeria is “fully and well represented” at TICAD9. He urged Nigerians to focus on the broader objectives of the summit, which prioritize lasting economic partnerships over symbolic trade fair appearances.