LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026, ending a four-week working vacation in Europe that took him first to London and then to Paris, France.
The President’s aircraft, Nigerian Air Force One, touched down at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m.
He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and other senior government and security officials.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week annual leave. After spending about one week in London, he proceeded to Paris. The Presidency later announced an extension of the trip by a few days, with the President ultimately returning on Tuesday rather than at the weekend as earlier indicated.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu chose to fly into Lagos first to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
On Independence Day, October 1, the President is expected to attend the premiere of a documentary film on Abiola’s life and legacy at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
While in Lagos, Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 general elections before returning to Abuja, according to the Presidency.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed Nigeria-France relations and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He also met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group, to discuss investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Presidency said the talks covered deepening operations in film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure. Tinubu was also present when the Ogun State Government signed an agreement with DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and related projects valued at more than $7 billion.
Speaking briefly after his arrival, Tinubu said he had enjoyed the break and was ready to resume work. “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic,” he told journalists. Addressing concerns and rumours about his health that circulated during the final days of his stay abroad, he stated: “Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong with my health. Rumours will always emanate from politics. But the fact remains, I’m here—healthy, sound and ready to go.”
The President’s prolonged absence had generated political debate, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York and following the extension of the vacation. Journalists at the airport were restricted from taking visuals of the arrival.
Tinubu’s return comes days before Independence Day celebrations and as he prepares for key political engagements in Lagos ahead of the next election cycle.
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