President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. The Presidency announced this on Monday, September 21, 2026. Despite his absence from Nigeria, Tinubu has continued to direct affairs of government. He recently ordered an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 to begin his working vacation in London. After spending a week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. Bolloré’s media interests include Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group. These meetings provided an opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations and business and investment interests involving Nigeria.
The President’s extended stay comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima represents him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement. The Vice President’s representation is part of the arrangements for Tinubu’s absence from the country. With Shettima now in New York, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at some official functions.
Tinubu’s absence has also coincided with heightened political consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. The Presidency says Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country. These consultations form part of ongoing political engagements as the administration moves towards the next electoral cycle.
The Presidency reacted strongly to criticism over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly personally. It described as irresponsible what it called a “baseless insinuation” by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict regarding the President’s non-attendance at the global gathering. The Presidency maintained that Nigeria would be adequately represented by Shettima, who will deliver the country’s national statement.
Tinubu’s latest trip began as an official working vacation, during which the President combined his leave with selected diplomatic, business, and governmental engagements. His meeting with Macron in Paris provided an opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations. The President also engaged with Bolloré, focusing on business and investment interests involving Nigeria.
The Presidency said Tinubu had also delegated the Vice President to represent him at official functions while he was away. Akume had similarly stepped in at other engagements. With Tinubu set to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the country expects a seamless transition back to his full engagement with governmental duties.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu extends working vacation in Europe.
- Tinubu expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima represents Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
