President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, aboard Nigerian Air Force One, according to reports from the airport.
The President departed Nigeria on August 30, initially for a three-week annual leave. He first travelled to London before moving to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency subsequently extended Tinubu’s stay by several days, making the trip a four-week absence from Nigeria. Despite his physical absence, government officials maintained that the President remained engaged with national affairs and continued to receive briefings and issue directives.
His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for the anniversary and deliver a national broadcast before returning to Abuja next weekend.
The President’s return is significant as his extended stay abroad had generated public and political discussion, particularly around the timing of his absence and the administration of government affairs while he was away. The Presidency, however, described the trip as a working vacation rather than a complete break from official duties.
During his time in Europe, Tinubu also held discussions focused on investment and economic opportunities. His meeting with Bolloré was among the engagements highlighted in reports about the trip.
Tinubu’s return also coincides with several major domestic issues requiring presidential attention, including economic policies, security matters and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The President’s four-week European stay began on August 30 and was initially scheduled to last three weeks. With his return to Lagos, attention will now turn to his Independence Day address and the resumption of his regular presidential schedule in Nigeria.
