Tinubu returns to Nigeria after four-week European vacation, says he is healthy
President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos after a four-week stay in Europe and dismissed concerns about his health, saying he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.” His extended absence prompted political debate, including questions from opposition figures over constitutional arrangements and his decision to miss the United Nations General Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after a four-week stay in Europe and said he was healthy and ready to resume work. Speaking after arriving in Lagos from Paris, the President said he had enjoyed the vacation. Asked about concerns over his health, he said he was “ready to kick, ready to walk” and that there was nothing wrong.
Tinubu said rumours would always emerge from politics, but added that he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go”. He arrived at the presidential wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22 p.m. aboard Nigerian Air Force One.
Journalists were barred from taking visuals of the arrival. The President left Abuja on August 30 for what was initially described by the Presidency as a three-week annual vacation. He spent the first part in London before travelling to Paris, where his schedule included official engagements.
In France, Tinubu held a private dinner with President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders. He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ogun State and DP World for a proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone. Tinubu’s extended stay and his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly generated political debate.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria, while the government said he carried the President’s full mandate. Opposition figure Atiku Abubakar questioned the constitutional implications of the prolonged absence. The Presidency defended the trip as a working vacation, saying Tinubu remained in contact with developments at home and continued directing government affairs.
Tinubu is expected to attend Independence Anniversary activities on October 1 and hold strategic meetings in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
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