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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 following the extension of his working holiday in Europe, with the President arriving in Lagos and attending official engagements before returning to Abuja next weekend.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the revised itinerary on Sunday evening.
Onanuga said Tinubu will also join other dignitaries at the premiere of a documentary on the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola at the National Theater in Lagos on Independence Day. Project reports
“Yes, that’s right, he will return on Tuesday. It’s just a small change to his schedule, so when he returns, he will return to Lagos where he will observe the Independence Day ceremony.
“He will also join other dignitaries to attend the premiere of the June documentary (MKO), which will be screened on October 1 at the National Theater in Lagos, before returning to Abuja,” Onanuga said.
The President is expected to arrive via the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where he will be received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior government officials.
His return will end an approximately four-week stay in Europe, which began on August 30 when he left Abuja for London for his annual leave, reports Blueprint.ng.
The presidency had initially announced that Tinubu would spend three weeks in Europe as part of his annual vacation, with London as his first destination.
However, the State House later announced that the president had extended his working holiday by a few days, explaining that he would remain in contact with officials at home and continue to direct the country’s affairs abroad.
From London to Paris
After spending about a week in London, Tinubu traveled to Paris, France, where he combined his leave with a series of official engagements and high-level meetings.
Among the commitments was a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The President also met with Vincent Bolloré, president of the Bolloré Group, during which talks focused on investments and the expansion of the group’s activities in Nigeria.
According to State House, the Bolloré Group has confirmed its intention to deepen the localization of its operations in Nigeria in the film, entertainment, fiber optic infrastructure and related sectors. Tinubu, during the meeting, reiterated his administration’s interest in investments capable of creating jobs, strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and developing local talent.
The Paris engagement was part of the Presidency’s description of Tinubu’s trip as a “working holiday”, with the President combining personal leave with discussions on issues relating to Nigeria’s economy, investment, technology and international partnerships.
While abroad, the President continued to receive briefings on developments at home and issue directives where necessary. The State House specifically cited its directive for the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the reported death of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps in Niger State.
Shettima, Akume represented the president
During Tinubu’s absence from the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at a number of official functions.
Shettima later traveled to New York to represent Nigeria and the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he was expected to deliver Nigeria’s national declaration.
During Shettima’s stay in the United States, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also represented the President in some official functions.
The Presidency advocated that Tinubu remain in charge of the administration and continue to direct government affairs from abroad throughout his working holiday.
The president’s extended stay abroad has also sparked public discussion and political commentary, particularly regarding constitutional provisions governing presidential absence. Some lawmakers and political actors questioned whether further steps were needed in his absence, while Senate speaker Yemi Adaramodu said there was no reason for the National Assembly to reconvene on the issue.
Likewise, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had argued that Tinubu remained in power and was capable of continuing to run government affairs while abroad. These positions have been contested by some political actors, who have raised doubts about the application of Article 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu to celebrate independence anniversary in Lagos
Upon his return, Tinubu is expected to stay in Lagos for Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of independence on October 1.
The President is expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary and deliver his traditional national broadcast to Nigerians on Independence Day.
Its presence in Lagos for the anniversary would also mean that it will mark the national event in the commercial capital for the second consecutive year. The President similarly remained in Lagos during the 2025 independence anniversary period.
The return to Lagos is therefore expected to combine the resumption of the President’s physical commitments in Nigeria with the country’s Independence Day activities.
The resumption of official commitments is expected
In addition to the anniversary programme, Tinubu is expected to resume a number of official duties during his stay in Lagos before returning to Abuja next weekend.
His return will also provide an opportunity for the President to receive briefings from senior government officials on developments across the country following his prolonged absence from Abuja.
The President is expected to continue his engagement with officials on economic, security and governance issues, while receiving updates on programs implemented by his administration.
The Presidency has repeatedly maintained that the President remained engaged in government affairs throughout his stay in Europe, despite his physical absence from Nigeria.
State House also revealed that Tinubu’s trip had included discussions aimed at attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in sectors such as the creative and digital economy. During his meeting with Bolloré, the President said his administration remains focused on creating opportunities for young Nigerians and expanding infrastructure and investment in the digital economy.
The return takes place in the midst of preparations for the new official calendar
Tinubu’s return also comes as the federal government prepares for a new phase of official activities after the Independence anniversary.
The president left Nigeria on August 30, initially on a three-week annual leave, but his stay was extended by a few days. The State House announcement on 21 September was that he would return to Nigeria at the weekend, although subsequent reports from sources in the Presidency indicated that his return would be via Lagos on 29 September.
The President’s arrival in Lagos will mark the first phase of his return to Nigeria, with his schedule expected to include official duties marking the Independence anniversary before his return to Abuja.
For the administration, the return also comes at a time when the government is facing several domestic political, economic and security issues that require continued attention from the Presidency.
Tinubu’s return is therefore expected to restore his regular schedule in the country after weeks of official commitments and work leave in Europe.
I return to Abuja next weekend
After spending the Independence period and attending official engagements in Lagos, the President is expected to return to Abuja next weekend, according to latest reports on his itinerary.
His return to the capital will mark the full resumption of his regular presidential schedule after the European working holidays.
The Presidency continued to describe the trip as a working holiday rather than a complete disengagement from official responsibilities, stressing that Tinubu remained in contact with officials and continued to issue directives even abroad.
With his expected arrival in Lagos on September 29, followed by the Independence anniversary on October 1, the President’s return will effectively cap a four-week stint in Europe and usher in another phase of official engagements at home.
Unless there is a last minute change to his itinerary, Tinubu is expected to spend the first part of his return period in Lagos, participating in the country’s 66th anniversary of independence activities, attending to official duties and subsequently returning to Abuja next weekend.
