President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday evening after a four-week working vacation in Europe. He arrived in Lagos from Paris, France aboard the official presidential jet, Nigerian Air Force 1, which landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja at about 6:22pm. The President was welcomed by several high-ranking officials, including the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Kwara State counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
President Tinubu's vacation took him to the United Kingdom and France, where he engaged in various diplomatic and business activities. According to presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President's aircraft was expected to touch down at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, later on Tuesday. Tinubu chose to fly to Lagos first to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, a key figure in Nigeria's democratic struggle.
During his stay in Paris, President Tinubu attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met with several business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. The Bolloré Group has interests in media and digital companies such as Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group. On Monday, Tinubu also met with Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings.
President Tinubu's visit to Europe also included a meeting with investors and the witnessing of a significant agreement between the Ogun State Government and DP World. The agreement was for the development of a Gateway deep seaport in Ogun Waterside and the creation of a Blue Marine Economic Zone in the area. DP World plans to invest $7 billion in the seaport and economic zone.
Upon his return to Nigeria, President Tinubu is set to attend the premiere of a movie honouring Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on Independence Day. The movie is a tribute to Abiola, the winner of the June 1993 election. The President will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections.
President Tinubu's engagements in Lagos will take place over several days before he returns to Abuja. During his vacation, which began on August 30, 2026, the President spent one week in London before heading to Paris. His meetings in Lagos are expected to focus on strengthening political alliances and strategizing for future elections.
The President's return to Nigeria marks the end of his extended working vacation in Europe. Key outcomes of his trip include strengthened diplomatic ties, particularly with France, and significant business agreements, such as the DP World investment in Ogun State.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe.
- The President attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met with business leaders in Paris.
- DP World plans to invest $7 billion in a seaport and economic zone in Ogun State.
