President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has returned to the country after a month-long working vacation in Europe. He arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Tinubu was received by a large gathering of government officials and political leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
During a meeting with journalists at the airport, Tinubu addressed speculation about his health, stating that he is "healthy, sound and ready to go." He described the health rumours as politically motivated and insisted that there is nothing wrong with him. When asked about his experience during the vacation, Tinubu simply said: "I enjoyed myself."
The President's vacation began on August 30, 2026, and was initially expected to last for three weeks. However, his stay in Europe was extended, sparking speculation about his health. The Presidency had maintained that Tinubu was in good health and remained in charge of government affairs throughout his stay abroad.
Tinubu's Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, announced the President's arrival in a post on his verified X handle, @DOlusegun. A video shared by Olusegun showed the President being received by dignitaries, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met businessman Vincent Bolloré. The President is expected to remain in Lagos for activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary on October 1. He will also attend the premiere of a production honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed optimism that the President's break would translate into renewed energy and greater action by the administration. Abbas said: "It is incredibly nice to have him after one month away, and we believe that the days he has spent resting will translate into more action this time around."
Tinubu's European vacation included stops in London and Paris. The President's return to Nigeria comes amid continued speculation about his health, which he has now publicly addressed. Key events marking Nigeria's Independence anniversary will take place in Lagos, with the President in attendance.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu returns to Nigeria after a month-long European vacation.
- Tinubu dismisses health rumours, declaring himself fit for work.
- The President will attend events marking Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary in Lagos.
