Tinubu Returns to Nigeria, Heads to Lagos as European Working Vacation Ends

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris, France, for Lagos, Nigeria, concluding his extended working vacation in Europe. His aircraft is expected to arrive later Tuesday, marking his return after a trip that began on August 30.

The Presidency confirmed his departure in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu travelled from Abuja to London before proceeding to Paris, where, according to the Presidency, he held private, diplomatic, and business engagements. He attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group and Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc.

He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning a proposed Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone. The Presidency and Nigerian news reports said the project could attract approximately $7 billion in investment.

His return follows the Presidency’s announcement that his working vacation had been extended by several days. The government said Tinubu continued to direct government affairs and remained in contact with officials in Nigeria. During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Tinubu is expected to begin engagements in Lagos before returning to Abuja. The Presidency said he chose Lagos to honour the memory of the late businessman and democracy campaigner Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

According to the reported schedule, he is expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a film commemorating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu. The schedule is also expected to include meetings with political leaders and associates, although the Presidency has not publicly detailed the political purpose of those engagements.

Attention is expected to focus on Tinubu’s Independence Day engagements, reported political consultations in Lagos, and possible political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.