11
President Bola Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, the Presidency has announced.
The President’s aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, later on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu chose to return to Nigeria through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Onanuga said the President is scheduled to attend the premiere of a film commemorating Abiola on Independence Day at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
The presidential spokesman also said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
He added that the President would return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.
Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week annual leave, which the Presidency subsequently described as a working vacation. He spent about a week in London before travelling to Paris.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met with business leaders, including French businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose group’s media and digital interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
The President also met with businessman Femi Otedola during his stay in Paris.
On September 24, Tinubu witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
The projects are expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment, according to the Ogun State Government and the Presidency.
The proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port is planned as part of an integrated maritime and industrial development project intended to expand logistics capacity and support manufacturing, trade and exports.
Tinubu’s return marks the end of his extended stay in Europe, which was prolonged by several days beyond the original schedule. The Presidency had announced on September 21 that he would return to Nigeria after extending the working vacation.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for an initially announced three-week annual leave in Europe.
He spent his first week in London before moving to Paris, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, business leaders and investors.
The Presidency later extended his stay by several days.
He has now departed Paris for Lagos, where the Presidency says he will honour MKO Abiola and hold meetings with political associates before returning to Abuja.
