President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday evening after spending four weeks abroad on a ‘working vacation.’ His plane landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m. The president was received by several high-ranking officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and Deputy Senate President, Jubrin Barau. Other dignitaries present included Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Before his return, the Presidency had announced that President Tinubu had ended his working vacation and departed Paris for Nigeria. According to the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s aircraft was expected to land at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, later in the evening. The statement also revealed that President Tinubu chose to fly to Lagos first to honour the memory of late MKO Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
During his trip, President Tinubu attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. He also met with prominent business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose media and digital interests include Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group. Additionally, the president met with Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, on Monday.
President Tinubu also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World to build a Gateway deep seaport in Ogun Waterside. The project aims to create a Blue Marine Economic Zone in the area, with DP World planning to invest $7 billion in the seaport and economic zone. This development is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy.
While President Tinubu was away, his absence raised concerns among many Nigerians, particularly after the vacation was extended beyond its initial three-week schedule. The president’s inability to attend the United Nations General Assembly for the third consecutive year also sparked concerns. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the president at the 81st UN General Assembly, delivering Nigeria’s national statement.
The government defended the president’s absence, stating that Vice President Shettima had his full mandate to represent Nigeria. The government emphasized that the country would be fully represented at the global gathering, and the president remained in contact with officials back home, continuing to direct government affairs from abroad. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented the president at some official events during his absence.
After his engagements in Lagos, President Tinubu will return to Abuja. During his stay in Lagos, he will attend the premiere of a movie honouring MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on Independence Day. The president will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Key points
- President Tinubu spent four weeks abroad on a ‘working vacation,’ returning to Nigeria on Tuesday evening.
- The president witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World to build a Gateway deep seaport.
- President Tinubu’s absence raised concerns among Nigerians, particularly due to his extended vacation and inability to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
