President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, concluding a four-week working vacation in Europe. According to Presidency sources, Tinubu will arrive in Lagos, where he will be received at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This marks the beginning of a busy schedule, as the President will spend several days in Lagos attending to official engagements.
During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu will mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The President is scheduled to deliver a national broadcast as part of the anniversary celebrations. The Federal Government has announced that the President's Independence Day broadcast will be a key event, accompanied by a public lecture on September 30. This will be the second consecutive year that Tinubu has observed Nigeria's Independence Day in Lagos.
Tinubu's decision to spend the anniversary period in Lagos comes after a prolonged working vacation that began on August 30, when he departed Abuja for London. The Presidency had initially announced a three-week annual leave, but the President extended his stay by visiting Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The President's itinerary was adjusted, with his return now scheduled for Tuesday, September 29.
Despite his absence from Nigeria, Tinubu has remained actively engaged in national affairs, receiving briefings and issuing directives on key issues. One notable development during his absence was his directive for a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State. A 10-member independent investigative committee was subsequently constituted.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at several official engagements during his absence, including Nigeria's participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA, where he delivered Nigeria's national statement on behalf of the President. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has also represented the President at selected official functions.
The President's return coincides with preparations for the 2027 general elections. The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has led party leaders on consultations with traditional and religious leaders in different parts of the country as part of the party's mobilisation efforts. Attention will now shift to Tinubu's Independence Day address and his post-vacation engagements.
With Tinubu's return to Lagos on Tuesday, the focus will be on his Independence Day address and the resumption of presidential activities from Abuja next weekend. The President's address is expected to highlight key national issues and provide insight into his vision for Nigeria's future. Key engagements and activities will follow his return to Abuja.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, after a four-week working vacation in Europe.
- The President will mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary in Lagos on October 1.
- Tinubu's return coincides with preparations for the 2027 general elections.
