Nigeria’s unmanned booth at Japan’s TICAD9 sparks backlash, questions on official preparedness

Nigeria has come under sharp criticism after its exhibition booth at the ongoing ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan was found unmanned, despite the presence of top government officials and delegates at the summit.

The incident came to light on Wednesday when Idris Bello, a Nigerian entrepreneur and participant at the conference, shared a video and photos of the empty booth on X (formerly Twitter).

“I hate to show negative things about Nigeria but it is sad that Nigeria is the only unmanned booth at TICAD9 in Japan. Upon all the folks who probably got estacode for coming to Japan,” Bello posted via his handle, #idrisayobello.

Bello further lamented that Japanese visitors had repeatedly approached him about Nigeria’s vacant stand, prompting him to jokingly declare himself “Honorary Consul” and personally engage curious attendees.

“So ashamed I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Tokyo on Monday ahead of the summit, which runs from August 20 to 22, 2025. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Japanese officials and meet executives of companies investing in Nigeria.

However, the sight of Nigeria’s empty booth has drawn public backlash, with critics describing it as another example of official negligence undermining the country’s global image.

While other African nations showcased investment opportunities, culture, and trade prospects, Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy—failed to staff its display stand, leaving it deserted during prime conference hours.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, where users condemned the government’s handling of international representation.

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“Nigeria keeps missing opportunities to market itself where it matters most,” one user wrote. Another remarked: “Billions spent on estacode and flights, but nobody to stand at a booth and talk about Nigeria. Shameful.”

Some commentators noted that TICAD has historically been a platform for Africa-Japan partnerships in trade, infrastructure, and technology, and Nigeria’s absence at the exhibition floor could mean lost investment opportunities.

Analysts say the embarrassing episode highlights a recurring problem of poor coordination and lack of accountability in Nigeria’s foreign missions and trade delegations.

Economic analyst Dr. Henrietta Okoh told reporters that such negligence could undermine Tinubu’s broader mission at TICAD.

“While the President is in Tokyo negotiating with Japanese companies, a deserted booth tells a contradictory story—that Nigeria is unprepared, unserious, and disorganised. These optics matter in international diplomacy.”

Others urged the Federal Government to investigate how a delegation reportedly funded with estacode allowances failed to ensure Nigeria’s presence at the exhibition area.

Launched in 1993, TICAD is a major forum led by the Japanese government to promote African development through trade, investment, and partnerships. The ninth edition features high-level dialogue on infrastructure, green energy, digital transformation, and security cooperation.

Nigeria’s unmanned booth stands in stark contrast to the vibrant displays by Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Ethiopia, all of which actively engaged Japanese investors and showcased their economies.