Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, with his aircraft expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The State House confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the President chose to return through Lagos, where he is expected to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Tinubu Ends Extended Working Vacation
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation that began in London before he proceeded to Paris.
The Presidency subsequently extended the vacation by several days. In its September 21 statement, the State House said Tinubu had continued to keep in touch with developments in Nigeria and direct government affairs while abroad.
During the European trip, the President held a number of official engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency said Tinubu’s meeting with Bolloré focused on expanding investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, including film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
The administration said the Bolloré Group also confirmed plans to deepen the localisation of its operations in Nigeria.
President to Arrive in Lagos
According to the State House, Tinubu’s aircraft is expected to touch down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.
His decision to head to Lagos rather than Abuja on his immediate return has been linked by the Presidency to planned engagements surrounding Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and the commemoration of Abiola’s contribution to the country’s democratic history.
Reports by Nigerian media have also said the President is expected to attend an event connected to a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
Some reports have further indicated that Tinubu could hold meetings with political associates and leaders while in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections. Those political engagements have been reported by media outlets, but the State House’s announcement confirming his departure did not provide details of such meetings.
Key Engagements During the European Trip
Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe included several engagements presented by the Presidency as part of his working vacation.
In Paris, the President met Bolloré to discuss investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital sectors. The State House said the discussions covered areas including film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
The President was also present in Paris for the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone and Gateway Deep Seaport.
At that event, Tinubu assured domestic and international investors that the Federal Government would continue to pursue regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable business environment.
The European trip therefore combined personal leave with official engagements involving investment, diplomacy and economic development.
Vice President Represented Tinubu at UN General Assembly
While Tinubu was away, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Shettima would represent Tinubu at the global gathering, while other senior government officials continued to represent the President at selected domestic engagements.
The arrangement allowed the administration to maintain official representation at major national and international events during the President’s absence.
Return Comes as 2027 Politics Intensifies
Tinubu’s return comes as political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections increasingly features in public discourse.
The State House had said before the President left Nigeria that he was expected to return from his working vacation and join preparations for the political period ahead.
However, the President’s return should also be viewed in the context of scheduled national engagements, including Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Reports about political consultations in Lagos should therefore be distinguished from confirmed presidential engagements announced by the Presidency.
What Happens Next
Tinubu is expected to begin his Lagos engagements after arriving in Nigeria.
The immediate programme includes activities connected with the Independence anniversary and the commemoration of MKO Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The President is also expected to resume a fuller schedule of domestic official duties following his extended working vacation.
Further details on any political meetings or consultations in Lagos will depend on official announcements from the Presidency and other relevant participants.
For now, the confirmed development is that Tinubu has concluded his European working vacation and departed Paris for Nigeria, with Lagos as his first destination.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
State House of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Vanguard
Legit.ng
TVC News
The Daily Post
