Tinubu Ends Working Vacation, Returns to Nigeria Through Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, with Lagos as his first destination.

The Presidency confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Tinubu's aircraft was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria's pro-democracy struggle and the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The President is expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.

While in Lagos, Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

The Presidency said the President would return to Abuja after concluding his political engagements in Lagos.

Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. He spent about a week in London before travelling to Paris, where he continued with official and other engagements.

During his stay in Paris, the President held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. He also met businessman Femi Otedola.

Tinubu also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone. The project was announced with a proposed investment of $7 billion.

Tinubu's return brings his four-week stay in Europe to an end. His absence from Nigeria, including his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, had generated political debate, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at the gathering.

The Presidency had maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while on the working vacation.