Outrage as Trending Video Shows Nigeria's Empty Booth at TICAD9 Conference in Japan: "I Am Ashamed"
- On the opening day of TICAD 9, Nigeria’s stand in Japan was unmanned, prompting widespread criticism online after Idris Bello highlighted the situation
- Idris Bello and other attendees, including Ola and David Brown, engaged visitors and potential investors, expressing disappointment over the Nigerian public sector team’s absence
- Despite online backlash, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the booth had not yet opened and would be officially inaugurated on 21 August
Nigeria’s stand at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) remained empty on Wednesday, August 20, the opening day of the three-day conference, sparking widespread outrage online.
The development came after a viral post by Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub and one of Africa’s leading angel investors and startup advisors, revealed that Nigeria’s booth was unmanned.
Source: Twitter
Idris Bello speaks on Nigeria's empty booth
Mr Bello expressed his disappointment, stating he was “ashamed” to find the booth empty and stepped in to engage visitors and potential investors.
“I hate to show negative things about Nigeria, but it is sad that Nigeria is the only unmanned booth at TICAD9 in Japan,” he tweeted.
He added in his tweet:
“Only God knows how many Japanese folks have asked me about the unmanned booth. So ashamed I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors.”
TICAD9 Conference in Japan: Other participants step in
The tweet prompted other participants to assist at the booth. Ola Brown, another attendee, wrote on X:
“Had an interesting time manning the Nigeria booth today with Idris. Unfortunately, the booth was left unstaffed by the Nigerian public sector team, but we still had engaging conversations with academics, private business owners, and NGOs who asked great questions.”
David Brown, another Nigerian professional at the summit, also shared his disappointment:
“We are on the ground to support our dear country. But this is so disappointing, more so that the Japanese are so eager to do business with us, but we prioritise vibes!! Anyway, we are on the ground in Japan.”
Online criticism intensifies
The incident drew sharp criticism on social media.
One user, GWG, wrote:
“Nigeria as a country is bedevilled by chronic nepotism and patronage."
While Kenykore added:
“This is the same conference the president is supposed to be attending and they couldn’t even ensure at least one rep is there.”
Another user, BYKX4, lamented:
“The wrong set of people are sent to represent Nigeria at such fairs,” highlighting a perceived lack of interest in promoting the country abroad.
President Tinubu arrives in Japan
Source: Twitter
The timing of the controversy coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s arrival in Japan on 18 August, two days before the summit opened.
“Nigeria is open for business and ready for partnership,” Mr Tinubu said on arrival at Haneda International Airport.
He was, however, received by Hideo Matsubara, Japan’s ambassador in charge of TICAD.
“This visit is not only about participation in an important summit, but about building stronger bridges between our nations,” he added.
The Presidency described the visit as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand trade relations with Asia, while pursuing sustainable growth and industrialisation at home.”
Officials reject claims of abandonment
Nigerian officials, however, disputed claims that the country abandoned its stand.
“Contrary to a tweet made by a participant at TICAD, the Nigerian booth at #TICAD9 has not yet been opened. The booth will be officially inaugurated on Thursday, 21st August 2025, after which it will become fully operational and serve the delegates of TICAD,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Why Tinubu went to Saint Lucia
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the presidency clarified President Bola Tinubu's visit to Saint Lucia, in response to what it described as “misguided, mischievous, and uninformed” commentary by some Nigerians.
The presidency noted that Tinubu's visit is deeply rooted in diplomatic imperatives that seek to reconnect Nigeria with its diaspora and expand South-South cooperation.
In a statement by a presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency countered Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who affirmed that this is not the time for Tinubu to go on vacation.
Source: Legit.ng
