Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation, saying he is healthy and ready to resume his official duties.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, after departing Paris, France, earlier in the day.
The President’s return ended an extended stay abroad that began on August 30, when he departed Abuja for London as part of his annual leave. He later travelled to Paris, where he combined the vacation with a number of official and business engagements.
Tinubu dismisses health concerns
Speaking to journalists after arriving in Lagos, Tinubu dismissed concerns that had circulated about his health during his prolonged stay in Europe.
When asked about his vacation, the President said he had enjoyed the trip. He subsequently told reporters that he was healthy and ready to resume work. Multiple Nigerian media outlets reported his comments following his arrival.
The comments came after questions had been raised publicly about the President’s health and the length of his absence from Nigeria.
Tinubu characterised the rumours surrounding his health as part of political activity and maintained that he was well enough to continue carrying out his presidential responsibilities.
Why the vacation lasted four weeks
The Presidency initially announced on August 30 that Tinubu would spend three weeks on vacation in Europe, beginning in London.
On September 21, however, the State House announced that the President’s return would be extended by several days.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu had spent one week in London before travelling to Paris, where he continued his working vacation and held meetings with political and business figures.
His engagements in France included a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussions with businessman Vincent Bolloré concerning investment and opportunities in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Presidency also said Tinubu continued to remain in contact with developments at home during his absence and directed government affairs from abroad.
Return comes amid political questions
Tinubu’s extended absence had also generated political and constitutional debate in Nigeria.
His original three-week vacation was extended, while Vice President Kashim Shettima was also outside Nigeria for the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. This prompted questions from opposition figures and other commentators about the constitutional arrangements surrounding the President’s absence.
The Presidency rejected criticisms of Tinubu’s absence and maintained that the President continued to direct affairs of state during the period.
Shettima represented Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly while Tinubu remained in Europe. The State House had previously said other senior government officials would represent the President at official functions during the period.
Tinubu’s engagements in Europe
Although described as a working vacation, Tinubu’s stay included several meetings linked to investment and Nigeria’s economic interests.
At his September 18 meeting with Bolloré in Paris, the State House said the business group had indicated plans to deepen its operations in Nigeria across areas including film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and related sectors.
The Presidency said the discussions were focused on investment, job creation, digitalisation and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
The President also met First Holdings Chairman Femi Otedola during his time in Paris, according to a statement issued by the Presidency and reported by Premium Times.
The State House also linked Tinubu’s European engagements to broader economic and investment objectives under his administration.
Lagos stop ahead of Independence Day
Tinubu’s first destination after returning to Nigeria was Lagos rather than Abuja.
The Presidency said the President chose to fly to Lagos to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The President is also scheduled to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The Presidency said he would attend the premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
His Lagos stay is also expected to include political meetings and other engagements before his eventual return to Abuja. Premium Times reported that the Presidency said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates while in Lagos.
What happens next
Tinubu’s return places the President back in Nigeria ahead of the Independence Day celebrations and a period of increased political activity as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency had earlier said the President was expected to resume engagements in Nigeria following the European working vacation.
His return also brings the focus back to domestic policy, governance and the political preparations surrounding the 2027 elections.
For Nigerians, the immediate developments to watch will include Tinubu’s Independence Day activities in Lagos, his scheduled national address and the outcome of meetings and engagements following his return.
The President’s own comments on Tuesday were focused on his readiness to resume work and his rejection of health concerns that had circulated during his absence.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The State House, Abuja — official statements on Tinubu’s working vacation and return.
- Premium Times — report on Tinubu’s departure from Paris and planned Lagos engagements.
- Channels Television — report on Tinubu’s arrival and comments after returning to Nigeria.
- The Guardian Nigeria — report on Tinubu’s return and the political questions surrounding the extended stay.
- Vanguard — report on Tinubu’s arrival and comments about his readiness to work.
