President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, after spending 30 days abroad on a working vacation. He landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Paris, France, at about 6:22 pm. Tinubu's trip began on August 30 and included stops in London and Paris, where he held official engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Upon his arrival, Tinubu addressed concerns over his health, dismissing them as politically driven speculation. He stated that he was "healthy and sound" and ready to resume work. When asked about his time abroad, Tinubu simply said: "I enjoyed myself." The President's return followed a working vacation that was initially announced as a three-week annual leave, with London as his first destination.
The Presidency had announced on August 30 that Tinubu was embarking on a three-week annual leave, but his stay was subsequently extended by a few days. On September 21, the Presidency announced that he would return at the weekend, but he ultimately returned on Tuesday, September 29, bringing the total elapsed absence to 30 days. The extension beyond the initially announced three weeks became one of the major issues surrounding the trip.
Ahead of the President's arrival, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met with security chiefs at the State House, Marina, to discuss security operations and plans to strengthen the system. Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians and visitors that his administration would continue to strengthen security across the state, particularly with increased visitor numbers and activities expected around the Yuletide period.
Those present at the security meeting included Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai; Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Brig. Gen. A.O. Owolabi; Commander, NNS Beecroft; Commodore A. Adams-Aliu; Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Ikeja; Air Commodore M.A. Imam; and Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan. The meeting aimed to ensure that criminals do not find a place for their evil activities in the state.
The state is expecting increased visitor numbers and activities around the Yuletide period, alongside religious, cultural, and political events. Political activities have also begun to pick up, and the government is taking steps to ensure a secure environment for all. Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration would not relent on its efforts to ensure that criminals do not find a place for their evil activities in the state.
With his return, President Tinubu is set to resume work and address the nation's pressing issues. His 30-day working vacation abroad has sparked debate and raised questions about the need for transparency in governance. As the President resumes his duties, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how he addresses the challenges facing the country.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after 30-day working vacation abroad amid tight security and concerns over his health.
- The President's trip was extended beyond the initially announced three weeks, sparking debate and raising questions about governance.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met with security chiefs to discuss security operations and plans to strengthen the system ahead of the President's visit.
