President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency said on Monday.
The development comes as the President continues to direct government affairs from abroad while Vice-President Kashim Shettima represents him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin his annual leave, which the Presidency described as a working vacation.
After spending time in London, the President travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman, Vincent Bolloré.
According to the statement signed by its special adviser on information and strategy,Bayo Onanuga , said Tinubu’s meeting with Bolloré focused on deepening investment and localisation in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, while his meeting with Macron underscored Nigeria-France relations.
Despite his absence from the country, the President has continued to attend to national issues and issue directives from Europe.
One of the major issues that reached his desk was the death of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths and said official negligence or abuse leading to the deaths must attract accountability.
The incident triggered protests in Minna, with authorities imposing an overnight curfew after clashes following the deaths of the detainees.
The President’s extended stay also comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency had initially said Tinubu would return after his vacation to join preparations for the January 2027 elections.
While the President has remained in Europe, Shettima has represented him at several official engagements.
The Vice-President, however, left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the global gathering.
With both the President and Vice-President outside the country at different stages of the UNGA period, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has continued to represent the President at official functions.
The Presidency has also pushed back against criticisms over Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, said the President’s absence from the General Assembly would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in African affairs.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has continued consultations with political stakeholders and traditional rulers as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The President’s return at the weekend is therefore expected to bring him back into the centre of domestic political and governmental activities after several weeks of engagements across London and Paris.
The Presidency said the extension of the working vacation was only for a few more days, with Tinubu now expected back in Nigeria before the end of the week.
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