President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Presidency announced the development on Monday, September 21, saying Tinubu would remain in Europe for a few more days before returning home.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin a three-week annual leave, with the Presidency initially saying he would return after the vacation to resume preparations for the January 2027 election.
After spending about a week in London, the President travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The State House said Tinubu’s meeting with Bolloré focused on expanding investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, while Macron hosted the Nigerian President for a private dinner.
Despite being away from Nigeria, the Presidency said Tinubu had remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs.
Among the issues he has addressed during the trip was the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State while in NSCDC custody. Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths and directed that any official found to have contributed through action, abuse or negligence should face prosecution where evidence supports criminal responsibility.
The President has also continued to issue directives on other government matters while away.
During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at some official functions. Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, where he is representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Presidency, Shettima will present Nigeria’s national statement at the UNGA, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent Tinubu at official events in Nigeria.
The President’s decision not to personally attend this year’s UNGA had generated political controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm making claims about the circumstances surrounding his absence.
The Presidency has rejected those claims, describing the insinuations surrounding Tinubu’s non-attendance as irresponsible.
Meanwhile, on the political front, the Presidency said Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest announcement means Tinubu’s current European stay will extend beyond the three-week leave initially announced on August 30. The Presidency did not give a specific date for his return beyond saying he is expected back in Nigeria at the weekend.
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