President Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, Set to Return at the Weekend

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and will return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to an official statement from the Presidency.

The President originally departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom. After spending a week in London, he moved to Paris, France, to continue his working break.

Despite his extended stay abroad, the Presidency reassures Nigerians that state affairs remain fully active and managed smoothly.

Diplomatic Meetings and Governance Abroad

While in Paris, President Tinubu engaged in high-level diplomatic and business discussions.

Key Engagements in France

• Diplomatic Relations: Held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

• Foreign Investment: Met with Vincent Bolloré, whose media conglomerate controls major entities including Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group.

Direct Orders Issued from Abroad

The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu remains in daily contact with domestic developments. Among key actions taken:

• Mining Fatality Investigation: Ordered an independent investigative panel to probe the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Who Is Managing State Responsibilities?

To ensure continuous administration while abroad, executive functions have been delegated across senior officials:

Presidency Responds to Critics over Absence

The decision to extend the working vacation drew criticism from political opponents. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioned President Tinubu’s ongoing absence from the country during the UN General Assembly.

In response, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the criticisms as “baseless insinuations.”

“Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement.” — Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy

The administration maintained that delegating duties to the Vice President at international summits is standard practice and fully within constitutional parameters.

What Happens Next?

• Weekend Arrival: President Tinubu is expected back in Abuja before the end of the week.

• UNGA 81: Vice President Shettima will complete Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in New York.

• Domestic Updates: Updates from the independent panel investigating the Minna mining incident are expected following the President’s return.