President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris for Nigeria following the conclusion of his extended working vacation in Europe.
A statement published by the State House on Tuesday confirmed that the President had left the French capital and was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later in the day.
Tinubu began his European trip on August 30, departing Abuja for London as part of his annual leave. He subsequently moved to Paris, where he continued official engagements while on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
During his stay in Paris, the President met French President Emmanuel Macron and held discussions with businessman Vincent Bolloré. The State House said the meeting with Bolloré focused on expanding investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Presidency initially expected Tinubu to return earlier but subsequently extended his stay by several days. His return date was later fixed for September 29.
The President is returning to Nigeria at a time of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the official State House statement on his arrival itinerary specifically said he chose Lagos first to honour the memory of MKO Abiola, the late businessman and politician associated with the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu is expected to take part in Independence Day-related activities in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
The Presidency had maintained that the President remained engaged with national affairs during his absence from Nigeria, receiving briefings and issuing directives on matters of government.
