President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency has said.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu had departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, where he commenced his annual leave, which the Presidency described as a “working vacation.”
The original plan was for the President to spend three weeks in Europe before returning to Nigeria and joining preparations for the January 2027 general election.
After spending about a week in London, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France, for the second phase of the vacation.
In Paris, he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and French businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency said Tinubu’s meeting with Bolloré focused on expanding investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
According to the State House, Bolloré and his executives outlined plans to deepen the localisation of the group’s operations in Nigeria, including investments in film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
The group’s media and digital interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Tinubu also met Macron during his stay in Paris, with the French president hosting the Nigerian leader to a private dinner at the Élysée Palace.
The Presidency said the meeting reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France and discussions around strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Despite being outside the country, the Presidency said Tinubu had remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government.
Among the matters cited was his directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The deaths, which have generated public concern and political reactions, occurred after the miners were detained by the NSCDC.
The Presidency said the President had also continued to perform his constitutional responsibilities remotely while relying on senior government officials to represent him at some official functions.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has represented Tinubu at several engagements during the President’s absence from the country.
Mr Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, where he is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official functions where necessary.
Mr Shettima is also expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the UN General Assembly.
Tinubu’s decision not to attend this year’s UNGA has become a subject of political debate, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar questioning the President’s continued absence from the annual gathering.
Mr Atiku, through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, has raised questions over Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA for the third consecutive year and asked whether issues relating to the President’s history with United States authorities had influenced the decision.
The Presidency has rejected the insinuations, describing them as baseless and irresponsible.
It also dismissed suggestions that Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA was connected to any restriction on his travel to the United States.
On the domestic political front, the President’s absence has coincided with intensified preparations for the 2027 elections.
Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, has been leading consultations with prominent political figures and traditional rulers as the ruling All Progressives Congress steps up preparations for the election.
The Presidency’s announcement means Tinubu will remain in Europe for several more days before returning to Nigeria at the weekend.
His extension comes shortly after the original three-week leave was due to end.
The President had initially been scheduled to return after the three-week vacation, with the Presidency saying he would resume his activities in Nigeria and participate in preparations for the 2027 election.
Mr Onanuga said the President’s return would now take place at the weekend following the extension of the working vacation.
The statement was signed by Mr Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on September 21, 2026.
