Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, following an extension of his working vacation. Initially, Tinubu was expected to return on August 30, but his stay was prolonged. On September 21, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that the President would return home over the weekend. However, BusinessDay sources indicate that Tinubu will now return on Tuesday.
During his vacation, Tinubu visited the United Kingdom and France, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore. The President witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State government and DP World for a $7 billion deep-sea port. This project aims to create over 50,000 direct jobs and generate substantial non-oil export earnings.
The proposed port, located at the Ogun Waterside, will have a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft. It is expected to decongest the Lagos port corridor, ease pressure on the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, and reduce costs and delays for importers, exporters, and consumers. The port will accommodate larger, deeper-draft vessels, supporting modern global commerce.
The Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, proposed to be accommodated on 10,000 hectares, will provide a competitive trade and logistics gateway for the African Continental Free Trade Area. This will position Nigeria to serve a continental market of approximately 1.4 billion people. Tinubu also directed the affairs of the nation, ordering an investigation into the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna.
While Tinubu was away, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official functions, including the 81st edition of the United Nations General Assembly. Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York, and George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, continued with plans for Nigeria's 66th anniversary.
The Presidency described allegations about Tinubu's non-attendance at the UNGA as irresponsible. Some argued that Tinubu should have written to the National Assembly to formally hand over powers to Vice President Shettima, in line with the provisions of Section 145 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. However, Onanuga insisted that Tinubu was on a "working vacation" and maintained control of government activities.
Tinubu will give his 1st October nationwide address as part of the event marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. His return to Nigeria on Tuesday is expected to be a significant event, with many awaiting his address and the impact of his meetings with foreign leaders and businessmen on the country's economy and international relations.
Key points
- President Tinubu will return to Nigeria on Tuesday, after extending his working vacation in the UK and France.
- The President witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a $7 billion deep-sea port in Ogun State.
- Tinubu's absence sparked debate over power transfer, with some arguing he should have formally handed over powers to Vice President Shettima.
