JUST IN: Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After After Four-Week In France
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe, arriving in Lagos on Tuesday evening.
President Tinubu arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:22pm aboard the Nigerian Air Force One.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and security chiefs were among those who received him.
The President’s arrival was also confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X, “Landing. Welcome home Mr President!”
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, where he held several engagements.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the winner of the June 1993 presidential election.
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While in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
The President is also expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a film on Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
During his stay in France, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group.
He also met the chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Femi Otedola, on Monday.
Last week, Tinubu witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
The project is expected to attract $7 billion in investment.
Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe had attracted criticism, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA and delivered the country’s national statement on behalf of the President.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu’s return would be extended by a few days after initially expecting him back at the weekend.
The decision also drew criticism from opposition figures and parties, who questioned the President’s prolonged absence and his decision not to attend the UNGA.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu was on a working vacation and continued to attend to government affairs while abroad.
Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after concluding his political engagements in Lagos.