“Unmanned booth narrative “totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference,” an official said.

President Bola Tinubu in Yokohama, Japan (PHOTO CREDIT: @aonanuga1956 ON X)

The Nigerian Presidency has strongly dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that Nigeria’s booth at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) was empty, describing the claims as misleading and a distortion of the country’s true mission at the summit.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency clarified that Nigeria’s presence at TICAD9 was not about “booth competition,” but about high-level engagements that advance national interests in trade, investment, and diplomatic relations.

What is TICAD9?

TICAD, co-organized by the Japanese government, the United Nations, and the African Union, is one of the most influential international summits focusing on Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development. The ninth edition, TICAD9, brought together heads of state, policymakers, development partners, and investors to explore cooperation opportunities between Africa and Japan.

Presidency’s Response to the “Empty Booth” Claim

According to the Presidency, the narrative of an “empty Nigerian booth” misrepresents the purpose of Nigeria’s participation. Officials explained that Nigeria’s delegation, led by senior government representatives, prioritized structured bilateral meetings with Japanese officials, global investors, and international development partners over merely showcasing a physical booth.

“The mission of Nigeria at TICAD9 is not to compete in exhibition arrangements, but to consolidate strategic partnerships that will yield long-term benefits for the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

It added that Nigerian officials held multiple closed-door sessions focused on investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Nigeria’s Strategic Priorities at TICAD9

Rather than focusing on optics, the Presidency said Nigeria’s agenda at TICAD9 was anchored on four pillars:

1. Trade and Investment Expansion – Creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses to access Japanese and global markets.
2. Energy and Infrastructure Development – Securing commitments for renewable energy, transportation, and power projects.
3. Health and Education Partnerships – Deepening cooperation in public health systems, pharmaceuticals, and digital learning.
4. Diplomatic Relations – Strengthening Nigeria–Japan relations while building broader Africa–Asia alliances.

Social Media Reactions

The “empty booth” photo that trended online had sparked criticism from some Nigerians, with claims that it reflected poor preparation and mismanagement. However, analysts argue that global summits like TICAD are judged less by exhibition setups and more by the deals and commitments secured in private meetings.

Why It Matters

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest economies and a key player in Japan’s Africa engagement strategy. Clarifying its stance, the Presidency emphasized that the nation’s participation at TICAD9 was about securing real economic opportunities rather than engaging in symbolic displays.