President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following the extension of his working vacation in Europe. According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will arrive in Lagos and attend to official engagements before returning to Abuja next weekend. The President's return will bring to an end a stay of about four weeks in Europe, which began on August 30 when he departed Abuja for London for his annual leave.
Tinubu's trip was initially announced as a three-week annual vacation, with London as his first destination. However, the State House later announced that the President had extended the working vacation by a few days, explaining that he remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country while abroad. During his stay in Europe, Tinubu combined his leave with official engagements and high-level meetings, including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The President also met with Vincent Bolloré, chairman of the Bolloré Group, during which discussions focused on investment and the expansion of the group's operations in Nigeria. According to the State House, the Bolloré Group confirmed plans to deepen the localisation of its operations in Nigeria across film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure, and related sectors. Tinubu reiterated his administration's interest in investments capable of creating jobs, strengthening Nigeria's digital economy, and developing local talent.
While abroad, Tinubu continued to receive briefings on developments at home and issue directives where necessary. The State House specifically cited his directive for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at a number of official functions during his absence.
Shettima subsequently travelled to New York to represent Nigeria and the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he was scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement. With Shettima away in the United States, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also represented the President at some official functions. The Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in charge of the administration and continued to direct government affairs from abroad throughout the period of his working vacation.
Tinubu's prolonged stay abroad had also generated public discussion and political commentary, particularly concerning the constitutional arrangements governing presidential absence. Some lawmakers and political actors questioned whether further steps were required during his absence, while Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said there was no reason for the National Assembly to reconvene over the matter. Senate President Godswill Akpabio had similarly maintained that Tinubu remained in power and was able to continue directing government business while abroad.
On his return, Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for the 66th anniversary of Nigeria's independence on October 1. The President is expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary and deliver his traditional national broadcast to Nigerians on Independence Day. His presence in Lagos for the anniversary would also mean that he will mark the national occasion in the commercial capital for the second consecutive year.
Key points
- President Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria on September 29, 2026.
- The President's trip was a "working vacation" that included official engagements and high-level meetings.
- Tinubu will participate in activities marking Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary in Lagos.
