Eniola Yekini
Following the extension of his working vacation in Europe, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 , with the President scheduled to arrive in Lagos and attend to official engagements before returning to Abuja next weekend.
Special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the revised itinerary on Sunday evening.
Onanuga said Tinubu would also join other dignitaries at the premiere of a documentary on the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola at the National Theatre in Lagos on Independence Day. Blueprint reports
“Yes, it’s true, he will return on Tuesday. It’s just a slight adjustment to his schedule, so when he’s returning, he’ll be returning to Lagos where he will observe the Independence Day ceremony.
“He will also join other dignitaries to watch the premiere of the documentary on June (MKO), which will show on October 1 at the National Theatre, Lagos, before returning to Abuja”, Onanuga said.
The President is expected to arrive through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where he will be received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior government officials.
His return will bring to an end a stay of about four weeks in Europe, which began on August 30 when he departed Abuja for London for his annual leave, Blueprint.ng reports.
The Presidency had initially announced that Tinubu would spend three weeks in Europe as part of his annual vacation, with London as his first destination.
However, the State House later announced that the President had extended the working vacation by a few days, explaining that he remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country while abroad.
From London to Paris
After spending about a week in London, Tinubu proceeded to Paris, France, where he combined his leave with a number of official engagements and high-level meetings.
Among the engagements was a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The President also met with Vincent Bolloré, chairman of the Bolloré Group, during which discussions focused on investment and the expansion of the group’s operations in Nigeria.
According to the State House, the Bolloré Group confirmed plans to deepen the localisation of its operations in Nigeria across film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and related sectors. Tinubu, during the meeting, reiterated his administration’s interest in investments capable of creating jobs, strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and developing local talent.
The Paris engagement formed part of the Presidency’s description of Tinubu’s trip as a “working vacation”, with the President combining personal leave with discussions on matters relating to Nigeria’s economy, investment, technology and international partnerships.
While abroad, the President also continued to receive briefings on developments at home and issue directives where necessary. The State House specifically cited his directive for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
During Tinubu’s absence from the country, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at a number of official functions.
Shettima subsequently travelled to New York to represent Nigeria and the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he was scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
With Shettima away in the United States, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also represented the President at some official functions.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in charge of the administration and continued to direct government affairs from abroad throughout the period of his working vacation.
The President’s prolonged stay abroad had also generated public discussion and political commentary, particularly concerning the constitutional arrangements governing presidential absence. Some lawmakers and political actors questioned whether further steps were required during his absence, while Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said there was no reason for the National Assembly to reconvene over the matter.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had similarly maintained that Tinubu remained in power and was able to continue directing government business while abroad. These positions were disputed by some political actors, who raised questions about the application of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu to mark Independence anniversary in Lagos
On his return, Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence on October 1.
The President is expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary and deliver his traditional national broadcast to Nigerians on Independence Day.
His presence in Lagos for the anniversary would also mean that he will mark the national occasion in the commercial capital for the second consecutive year. The President similarly remained in Lagos during the 2025 Independence anniversary period.
The return to Lagos is therefore expected to combine the President’s resumption of physical engagements in Nigeria with the country’s Independence Day activities.
Expected to resume official engagements
Beyond the anniversary programme, Tinubu is expected to resume a number of official duties during his stay in Lagos before travelling back to Abuja next weekend.
His return will also provide an opportunity for the President to receive briefings from senior government officials on developments across the country following his extended absence from Abuja.
The President is expected to continue his engagement with officials on economic, security and governance matters, while also receiving updates on programmes being implemented by his administration.
The Presidency has repeatedly maintained that the President remained engaged with government business throughout his European stay, despite his physical absence from Nigeria.
The State House also disclosed that Tinubu’s trip had included discussions aimed at attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in sectors such as the creative and digital economy. During his meeting with Bolloré, the President said his administration remained focused on creating opportunities for young Nigerians and expanding infrastructure and investment in the digital economy.
Return comes amid preparations for new official calendar
Tinubu’s return also comes as the Federal Government prepares for a new phase of official activities following the Independence anniversary.
The President had left Nigeria on August 30, initially for a three-week annual leave, but his stay was extended by a few days. The State House announcement of September 21 said he would return to Nigeria at the weekend, although subsequent reports from Presidency sources indicated that his return would take place through Lagos on September 29.
The President’s arrival in Lagos will mark the first stage of his return to Nigeria, with his schedule expected to include official duties around the Independence anniversary before his movement back to Abuja.
For the administration, the return also comes at a time when the government is dealing with several domestic policy, economic and security issues requiring continued attention from the Presidency.
Tinubu’s return is consequently expected to restore his regular in-country schedule after weeks of official engagements and working leave in Europe.
Back to Abuja next weekend
After spending the Independence period and attending to official engagements in Lagos, the President is expected to return to Abuja next weekend, according to the latest reports on his itinerary.
His return to the nation’s capital will mark the full resumption of his regular presidential schedule following the European working vacation.
The Presidency has continued to describe the trip as a working vacation rather than a complete disengagement from official responsibilities, stressing that Tinubu remained in contact with officials and continued to issue directives while abroad.
With his expected arrival in Lagos on September 29, followed by the October 1 Independence anniversary, the President’s return will effectively close a four-week period in Europe and usher in another phase of official engagements at home.
Unless there is a last-minute adjustment to his itinerary, Tinubu is expected to spend the early part of his return period in Lagos, participate in the country’s 66th Independence anniversary activities, attend to official duties and subsequently return to Abuja next weekend.