Tinubu Extends European Working Vacation After Paris Talks, Returns to Nigeria This Weekend
Abuja, Nigeria—September 21, 2026—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday.
In a State House press release signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency stated that Tinubu, who left Nigeria on August 30 for a planned three-week annual leave, will remain abroad slightly longer before flying home. He spent the first week in London before moving to Paris, France.
While in Paris, the President held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace and separately met Vincent Bolloré, the French businessman whose group has interests in Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group.
Discussions with Bolloré focused on expanding investments in Nigeria’s film, entertainment, fiber optics, and digital economy sectors, with the group expressing interest in deeper localization of its operations.
Governing From Afar
The Presidency emphasized that Tinubu has continued to direct national affairs during the break. One recent example cited was his order for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, after their arrest.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented the President at several official functions. Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he will present Nigeria’s national statement.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, continues to stand in for the President at domestic events.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations with traditional rulers across the country.
Response to Criticism
The Presidency described as “baseless” and “irresponsible” suggestions by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm that Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UN General Assembly carried ulterior motives.
Officials noted that sending the Vice President is neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s standing.
Atiku had earlier questioned Tinubu’s third consecutive absence from the UNGA, linking it to past legal issues in the United States and calling for clarity on whether any restrictions prevented the President’s travel.
Context of the Leave
Tinubu’s current break was announced as a working vacation ahead of the intense campaign period leading to the January 2027 general elections.
The Presidency has repeatedly stressed that the President remains engaged with daily briefings from ministers, service chiefs and senior officials.
The extension comes amid ongoing public debate about the constitutional handling of presidential absences and the formal transfer of power under Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution—a point raised by critics including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Atiku.
As the President prepares to return this weekend, attention will shift to how the administration balances residual vacation recovery with the accelerating political calendar and pressing governance issues at home.
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