“Ready to Work”: President Bola Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Four-Week Working Vacation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived back in Nigeria following a four-week working trip across Europe, declaring he is healthy, sound, and fully focused on national development.
The Nigerian Air Force One jet carrying the President landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 6:22 PM on Tuesday. He was received on arrival by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu alongside other high-ranking government officials.
Addressing Health Rumours and Public Concerns
Speaking with journalists shortly after his arrival, President Tinubu was asked about his time away and the public speculation regarding his wellbeing.
“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu remarked lightheartedly.
Addressing health concerns directly, he dismissed the rumors: “Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong with my health. Well, rumours will always emanate from politics. But the fact remains that I’m here—healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
Strategic Agenda in Lagos
Before returning to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, President Tinubu is scheduled to conduct a series of official and strategic engagements in Lagos.
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Honouring MKO Abiola: The President’s first stop in Lagos is aimed at paying tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
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Cultural Event: On Thursday, October 1 (Independence Day), President Tinubu is expected to attend the film premiere celebrating MKO Abiola’s democratic legacy at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu.
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Political Consultations: According to statement from the Presidency, Tinubu will meet with political leaders and key associates in Lagos as groundwork begins for the 2027 general elections.
Key Highlights from the Four-Week Trip
President Tinubu originally departed Abuja on August 30. His four-week international itinerary included major diplomatic and economic engagements across Europe:
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UK & France Engagements: After spending a week in London, the President proceeded to Paris, France, where he attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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Business Leadership Meetings: In Paris, President Tinubu held direct talks with major international business figures, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group (whose holdings include Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group) and First Holdings Chairman Femi Otedola.
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$7 Billion Infrastructure Investment: During the trip, President Tinubu witnessed the signing of a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ogun State Government and DP World. The deal paves the way for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and a Blue Marine Economic Zone, bringing an estimated $7 billion in foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
With key economic agreements secured abroad, President Tinubu now pivots to internal governance and political strategic sessions before returning to Abuja.
