President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos from Paris, France, on Tuesday evening aboard the Nigerian Air Force One.
The presidential aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22 p.m., marking the end of his extended stay abroad.
The President had departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began his working vacation, before subsequently travelling to Paris. The Presidency later extended his stay by a few days.
While in Paris, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, among other engagements. The State House also said the President attended to matters concerning investment, Nigeria’s creative and digital economy and other issues during his stay.
On Tuesday, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had departed Paris for Nigeria, saying he had concluded his working vacation.
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According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President chose to return through Lagos partly to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President’s return also comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1. Tinubu is expected to participate in anniversary activities in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
During his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President.
Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe had attracted public and political attention, particularly after his initial three-week leave was extended. The Presidency, however, maintained that he remained in contact with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government while away.
His return now shifts attention to his Independence Day engagements, his expected national broadcast on October 1 and the resumption of presidential activities in Abuja.