President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency has announced.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30, 2026, for London, United Kingdom, to begin a three-week working vacation. After spending about a week in London, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President would return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his stay.
The Presidency also said Tinubu had remained in contact with developments in Nigeria and continued to issue directives on matters of national importance during his absence.
Among the directives attributed to the President was the order for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During Tinubu’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official engagements.
However, Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York, United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing Nigeria and is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.
The Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who has also represented Tinubu at some official functions, would continue to do so while the President remains abroad.
Tinubu’s extended stay has also generated political discussion, particularly following questions from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar concerning the constitutional arrangements surrounding the President’s absence and the simultaneous absence of the Vice President.
The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu has continued to direct the affairs of government while away from the country.
The President is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, bringing his extended European working vacation to an end.
