Tinubu leaves Paris for Lagos after European working visit

President Bola Tinubu has departed Paris for Nigeria after ending a working vacation in Europe, the Presidency said on Tuesday. His aircraft was expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later in the evening, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The Presidency said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom it described as a martyr of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

The President is expected to attend the premiere of a film about Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day. While in Lagos, Tinubu is also expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. The Presidency said he would return to Abuja after the engagements.

Tinubu left Abuja on August 30, spending a week in London before travelling to Paris. During his stay, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business figures, including Bolloré Group chairman Vincent Bolloré and First HoldCo chairman Femi Otedola. He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ogun State and DP World for a proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone.

The source said the project is expected to attract $7bn in investment. The President’s absence from Nigeria and decision not to attend the United Nations General Assembly drew criticism from opposition parties. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.

The Presidency defended the trip as a working vacation and said Tinubu continued handling official matters while abroad.