President Bola 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 announced.
Tinubu had departed Nigeria on August 30 for London as part of his annual leave before travelling to Paris, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The State House had initially announced a three-week vacation.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has remained in contact with developments in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
The Presidency pointed to Tinubu’s recent directive for a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
With Tinubu still in Europe, Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Onanuga said that with Shettima away in the United States, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official functions.
The development comes amid renewed attention over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person for the third consecutive year. The Presidency has rejected suggestions that his absence reflects any problem between Tinubu and the United States, maintaining that the Vice President’s representation was part of the President’s arrangements.
Onanuga also criticised comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm concerning Tinubu’s absence from the global gathering.
Meanwhile, political activities ahead of the 2027 elections have continued, with Onanuga saying Presidential Campaign Council Director-General Abubakar Yari has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
Tinubu is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.
