President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
The President arrived in Lagos from Paris, France, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, aboard Nigerian Air Force One. The aircraft landed at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22 p.m.
Tinubu’s return brings an end to an overseas trip that began on August 30 and included stops in London and Paris.
Here are five things to know about the President’s return.
1. Tinubu spent about four weeks outside Nigeria
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President Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation.
He first travelled to London, where he spent about a week, before proceeding to Paris, France. The Presidency later announced that the President’s stay would be extended by a few days.
He eventually returned to Nigeria on September 29, making the trip approximately four weeks long.
2. He arrived in Lagos from Paris
The President flew directly from Paris to Lagos, with Nigerian Air Force One landing at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 6:22 p.m.
Several senior government officials were reported to have been at the airport to receive him, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Media access to the arrival was restricted, with journalists reportedly prevented from taking visuals as the presidential aircraft moved toward the terminal.
3. Tinubu held official engagements in Paris
Although the Presidency described the trip as a working vacation, Tinubu continued to hold some official engagements while in France.
One of the notable meetings was a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on September 17. According to Nigeria’s State House, the meeting reflected the relationship between Nigeria and France and discussions around strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Tinubu also met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, during his stay in Paris.
The President was also present when the Ogun State Government and DP World signed a memorandum of understanding concerning plans for a Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside. The proposed project has been reported as involving an investment of about $7 billion.
4. Vice President Shettima represented him at some events
While Tinubu was abroad, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official engagements.
Shettima travelled to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly after the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu would not attend the gathering in person.
The Presidency said Tinubu remained in contact with developments in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while away.
The President’s extended stay abroad nevertheless generated political discussion, including questions from opposition figures about constitutional procedures surrounding a president’s absence from the country. Those were political claims and questions rather than findings of a court or other constitutional authority.
5. Tinubu is expected to attend Independence Day activities
Following his return, Tinubu is expected to participate in activities surrounding Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos and will honour the memory of the late MKO Abiola.
The President is also expected to attend the premiere of a movie about Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu.
The Presidency said Tinubu will hold meetings in Lagos before eventually returning to Abuja.
Tinubu’s return therefore marks the end of his extended European working vacation, with the President now back in Nigeria ahead of the country’s Independence Day activities and other scheduled engagements.
