President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Paris, France, and is on his way back to Nigeria after spending several weeks in Europe on a working vacation.
The President is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday before continuing with a series of engagements in the commercial capital.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu will spend some time in Lagos before eventually returning to Abuja.
Why Tinubu Is Returning Through Lagos
The decision to return through Lagos is partly linked to plans to honour the memory and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola.
Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The event is part of activities leading up to Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1. ๐ณ๐ฌ
The President is also expected to meet with political leaders, associates and other stakeholders during his stay in Lagos.
With political activities already beginning to build ahead of the 2027 general elections, some of the meetings are expected to focus on political developments and preparations for the coming election cycle.
After completing his Lagos engagements, Tinubu is expected to travel back to Abuja.
What Happened During His European Trip?
Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe.
He first travelled to London and later moved to Paris, where his stay was extended by several days.
During his time in France, the President held a number of meetings with political and business figures.
He met French President Emmanuel Macron during a private dinner and also held discussions with Vincent Bollorรฉ of the Bollorรฉ Group.
According to the Presidency, discussions with Bollorรฉ included opportunities for increased investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Bollorรฉ Group has interests in several major international businesses, including Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Tinubu also met Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, during his time in France.
$7 Billion Ogun Deep Seaport Project ๐๐ข
Another major issue linked to Tinubu’s European engagements was the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun State.
The Ogun State Government and DP World signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the proposed development in Ogun Waterside.
The Presidency said the planned deep seaport and blue economy project could attract approximately $7 billion in investment.
The project is expected to form part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s maritime and logistics infrastructure while creating opportunities around the blue economy.
Return Comes Amid Constitutional Court Challenge ⚖️
Tinubu’s return to Nigeria comes shortly after the African Action Congress filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja over his extended absence from the country.
The suit was filed on Monday, September 28, by the AAC’s National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong.
The party is asking the court to determine whether the President was required to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly before proceeding with an extended period outside Nigeria.
The AAC is relying on Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with the President’s absence and the circumstances under which the Vice President may perform the functions of President.
The party is also challenging what it described as the failure of the National Assembly to take steps to formally authorise Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after Tinubu’s absence exceeded 21 days.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2353/2026, lists Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and the National Assembly as defendants.
The legal action has renewed public discussion about the constitutional procedure surrounding a Nigerian president’s prolonged absence from the country.
Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Absence
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained in charge of government throughout his working vacation.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, previously defended the President's ability to continue carrying out his responsibilities while outside Abuja.
Onanuga argued that modern communication technology allows the President to communicate and conduct government business without necessarily being physically present in the Nigerian capital.
He also stated that Tinubu was “hale and hearty” during the period.
Shettima Also Returns to Nigeria
Tinubu’s return comes shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima returned from the United States.
Shettima had travelled to New York on September 20 to represent President Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the international gathering, the Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national statement and participated in discussions covering development financing, climate support, education financing, global economic cooperation and reforms to the United Nations Security Council.
With both the President and Vice President now back in Nigeria, attention is expected to shift to the government’s upcoming engagements, the constitutional case surrounding Tinubu’s absence and the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, Lagos will be the President’s first major stop as he resumes his engagements on Nigerian soil. ๐ณ๐ฌ
