President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris, France, for Nigeria after concluding his working vacation in Europe.
His aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Tuesday, according to information released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Current reports also confirm that the President left Paris on September 29.
Tinubu’s return ends a period abroad that began with his departure from Abuja on August 30 and included time in London before he proceeded to Paris. The Presidency had described the trip as a working vacation and maintained that the President continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
Tinubu Heads to Lagos First
Rather than proceeding directly to Abuja, Tinubu is scheduled to arrive first in Lagos.
Onanuga said the President chose Lagos in order to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely known as MKO Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The President is expected to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu on Independence Day, October 1.
Return Comes Amid Political Debate
Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad had become a subject of political debate, with opposition figures questioning his absence from Nigeria and from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency rejected suggestions that the President had abandoned his official responsibilities, saying he remained in charge of government while abroad.
The issue has also entered the broader political discussion ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition politicians offering different views about the implications of the President’s extended absence.
Back in Nigeria for Independence Activities
Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
His schedule is expected to include the Independence Day film premiere and other engagements before his eventual return to Abuja.
The Presidency’s announcement marks the conclusion of the European leg of his current trip and his return to Nigeria after several weeks abroad.