President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026, after concluding his month-long working vacation in Europe. He landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where he was received by a delegation of senior government officials and political leaders. The President's arrival was announced by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, via a post on his verified X handle.
Among the dignitaries present to receive the President were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The President's vacation began on August 30, 2026, when he departed Abuja for a three-week working vacation in Europe. His stay was later extended by a few days, with the Presidency announcing on September 21 that Tinubu remained engaged with state affairs while abroad.
During his stay in Europe, President Tinubu visited London and Paris, where he held meetings with prominent leaders and business executives. In Paris, he had a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, reaffirming relations between Nigeria and France and discussing areas of cooperation. The President also met with French businessman Vincent Bolloré and senior executives of the Bolloré Group to discuss expanding investments and localising operations in Nigeria.
President Tinubu also witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and global logistics company DP World for the development of the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside. The President's engagements in Europe aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and attract investments to Nigeria. His return to Lagos is expected to be followed by activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.
As part of the Independence Day activities, President Tinubu is scheduled to attend the premiere of a production honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The Presidency stated that Tinubu chose to return to Lagos ahead of the anniversary partly to honour Abiola's memory and would also hold meetings with political leaders and associates during his stay in the state.
President Tinubu's month-long working vacation in Europe provided opportunities for him to engage with global leaders and business executives, promoting Nigeria's interests and exploring areas of cooperation. His return to Nigeria is expected to be followed by a busy schedule of engagements, including meetings with stakeholders and participation in Independence Day activities. The President's commitment to promoting Nigeria's development and strengthening international relations was evident during his stay in Europe.
The President's return to Lagos marks the beginning of a new phase of activities, as Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 66th Independence anniversary. With a range of engagements planned, including the premiere of the MKO Abiola production and meetings with political leaders, President Tinubu's presence in Lagos is expected to be a significant event. The President's focus on promoting national development and strengthening international relations is expected to continue to shape his agenda in the coming weeks.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Lagos after a month-long working vacation in Europe
- The President held meetings with global leaders and business executives in Paris and London
- President Tinubu is scheduled to attend Independence Day activities in Lagos, including the premiere of an MKO Abiola production
