Tinubu returns to Nigeria today, Tuesday, September 29, following an extended working vacation in Europe that lasted about four weeks. President Bola Tinubu left the country on August 30 and initially planned to spend three weeks abroad, but the Presidency later extended the trip by several days before confirming his return for Tuesday.
The President is expected to arrive in Lagos, where he will begin a series of official engagements after his return. His schedule will also include activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with the Presidency expected to keep him in Lagos through the anniversary before he returns to Abuja next weekend.
Tinubu’s European Working Vacation
Tinubu began the trip in London after departing Abuja on August 30 for his annual leave. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency presented some of these engagements as part of the President’s efforts to maintain economic and diplomatic activities while outside Nigeria.
The Presidency initially announced that Tinubu would return after three weeks, but on September 21, it announced that he had extended his working vacation by a few days. At the time, officials said he would return during the following weekend, although the subsequent itinerary placed his return on September 29.
During the extended stay, the Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to issue directives on matters of national importance. One example cited was his order for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The President was also involved in economic engagements during his time in Europe. According to the Presidency, agreements connected to the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone were signed in Paris, with the projects expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment.
Lagos Engagements and Independence Day Plans
Following his expected arrival today, Tinubu will head to Lagos rather than immediately return to Abuja. Presidency sources cited by The Guardian said he is expected to arrive through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and remain in Lagos for official activities surrounding the Independence anniversary.
Nigeria will mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, and Tinubu is expected to deliver the traditional national broadcast as part of the anniversary programme. The Federal Government has also announced other activities, including a public lecture scheduled for September 30.
The President’s return to Lagos will also coincide with the planned premiere of a documentary about the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. According to the Presidency, the documentary is scheduled to premiere at the National Theatre in Lagos on October 1, with Tinubu expected to host the event.
The President is expected to remain in Lagos for several days after the Independence celebrations before returning to Abuja next weekend. His return will bring an end to the extended European working vacation and mark the resumption of his regular presidential engagements from the Federal Capital.
Debate Over Tinubu’s Extended Absence
Tinubu’s prolonged stay outside Nigeria has also generated political and legal debate, particularly over the length of his absence and the arrangements for official duties while he remained abroad. Opposition figures and some lawyers have raised questions about the constitutional implications of the extended trip, while the Presidency has defended the arrangement and maintained that the President continued to discharge his responsibilities remotely.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York during Tinubu’s absence and delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President. Shettima had travelled to the United States on September 20 for the global meeting, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume represented the President at selected official functions.
The Presidency has continued to insist that Tinubu remained engaged with government affairs throughout the trip. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga also defended the President’s absence, saying modern communication technology allows him to continue working without being physically present in Abuja.
As Tinubu returns to Nigeria today, attention will now turn to his Independence Day address, his engagements in Lagos and his expected return to Abuja next weekend. The President’s schedule in the coming days is likely to focus on the anniversary programme and other official activities following his extended stay in Europe.
