President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in Europe. He arrived in Lagos from Paris aboard Nigerian Air Force One, which landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 6:22 pm on Tuesday. The President's return marks the end of a four-week stay outside the country, during which he engaged in various activities, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron.
During his stay in Paris, President Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where they discussed Nigeria-France relations and their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. The President also met with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group to discuss investments in Nigeria's creative and digital economy. The discussions included plans to deepen the group's operations in Nigeria across film, entertainment, and fibre-optic infrastructure.
President Tinubu was also present in Paris when the Ogun State Government signed an agreement with DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, a project valued at over $7 billion. The President's engagements in Paris were part of his working vacation, during which he continued to direct the affairs of government while away. According to the Presidency, Tinubu remained in touch with developments in Nigeria.
The President's prolonged absence from Nigeria generated political controversy, particularly after the Presidency announced that he had extended his stay by a few days. The announcement came as Vice President Kashim Shettima travelled to New York to represent Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The Presidency maintained that Tinubu's absence from the UNGA was part of his annual leave and that Shettima was carrying the President's full mandate.
The decision drew criticism from opposition figures, including African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the constitutional implications of Tinubu's prolonged absence. Atiku cited Section 145 of the Constitution and asked whether the President had transmitted a written declaration to the National Assembly transferring presidential functions to the Vice President. The ADC also criticised the simultaneous absence of Tinubu and Shettima from the country.
The Presidency defended the President's absence, with his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing Tinubu's stay as a working vacation. Onanuga said the President was "hale and hearty" and had continued to work while abroad, arguing that in the digital age, Tinubu did not need to be physically present in Abuja to discharge his responsibilities. He also pointed to the President's meetings with investors in France as evidence of his official engagements.
Upon his return, Tinubu dismissed speculation that he was sick, saying "I am healthy, ready to go." He is expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, including the national premiere of MKO, a documentary on the life and political legacy of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The President is also expected to hold political meetings in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after a four-week European vacation.
- The President's prolonged absence generated controversy and criticism from opposition figures.
- Tinubu dismissed speculation about his health, saying he is "healthy, ready to go."
