Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims that the country abandoned its stand at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), insisting the booth had “not yet been opened” and would only be officially inaugurated on Thursday.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the ministry said:
“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.”
Read also: What is TICAD, and why Nigeria’s debut matters
The clarification followed a flurry of social media criticism from Nigerian participants who claimed the stand was left unmanned while other countries showcased their offerings.
Ayodeji Idris, an attendee, had posted 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. So ashamed I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors.”
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His frustration struck a chord online and was soon echoed by others. Dr Ola Brown, another Nigerian participant, said she too volunteered to staff the booth.
“We are on ground to support our dear country,” she tweeted. “But this is so disappointing, more so that the Japanese are so eager to do business with us, but we prioritise vibes!!”
By evening, witnesses reported that embassy staff eventually arrived at the venue, with attendee Bello joking that his self-declared “One-Day Consul-Designate” role was over.
“Seems someone has seen all the tweets,” he wrote. “Now they are blaming me for posting. Make I Dey go home jeje.”
The ministry’s response has cooled some of the backlash, but not all. While officials maintain the booth’s delayed start was part of the programme schedule, many Nigerians online argue the episode reflects poorly on the country’s image abroad, especially at a conference aimed at deepening trade and investment ties with Africa.
