Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Four-Week European Stay, Set for Independence Day Events

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, arriving in Lagos on Tuesday evening ahead of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. His aircraft landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22pm.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, where he combined his working vacation with a number of official engagements. The Presidency initially announced a three-week vacation before later extending his stay by several days.

While in France, the President held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group and FirstHoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola. Tinubu also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Ogun State Government and DP World for a proposed deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone, with an announced investment value of $7 billion.

His extended stay abroad generated political debate, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering, delivering the country’s national statement and participating in high-level engagements. The Federal Government said Shettima was acting with the President’s full mandate.

Opposition figures questioned the decision to extend the President’s stay outside the country and raised constitutional questions concerning the transfer of presidential functions. The Presidency defended the arrangement by describing Tinubu’s trip as a working vacation and maintaining that he remained in touch with developments in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs remotely.

Tinubu’s return through Lagos was linked by the Presidency to plans to honour the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. He is expected to attend the national premiere of a documentary on Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu on October 1.

The President is also expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. The Presidency said the Lagos engagements would precede his eventual return to Abuja.

Speaking after his arrival, Tinubu said he had enjoyed his time in Europe and dismissed concerns about his health, saying he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.” His return ends a four-week period outside Nigeria and comes as the country prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary.