President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris, France, for Nigeria after ending his working vacation abroad, with his aircraft expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Key Highlights
- President Tinubu has departed Paris for Nigeria after his working vacation.
- The President is expected to arrive in Lagos on September 29, 2026.
- Tinubu will attend the premiere of a movie honouring MKO Abiola on Independence Day.
- The premiere will take place at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
- Tinubu is expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates while in Lagos.
- The President departed Abuja on August 30 and spent time in London and Paris.
- He recently witnessed a $7 billion DP World Ogun Gateway Seaport investment agreement.
Tinubu Returns To Nigeria Through Lagos
The Presidency said President Tinubu has concluded his working vacation and departed Paris for Nigeria.
His aircraft is expected to touch down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.
The President’s decision to return through Lagos is linked to his plans to participate in events marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and honour the late MKO Abiola.
Tinubu will attend the premiere of a movie celebrating Abiola’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic struggle at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, on October 1.
Tinubu To Hold Political Meetings In Lagos
While in Lagos, President Tinubu is also expected to meet with political leaders and associates over several days.
The meetings are expected to focus on political matters ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to the Presidency.
Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.
President Tinubu’s European Working Vacation
President Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
He initially spent about one week in London before travelling to Paris.
During his stay in Paris, the President held meetings with business figures and other stakeholders.
He also attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The President met with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose business interests include media and digital companies such as Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Tinubu also met with First HoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola.
Tinubu Witnessed $7bn Ogun Seaport Agreement
During the European trip, President Tinubu also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World.
The agreement covers the proposed development of the Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and the creation of a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
DP World, a global ports and logistics operator, is expected to invest $7 billion in the seaport and associated economic zone, according to the Presidency.
The project is part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to attract private-sector investment into infrastructure and logistics.
Read also:
- Public Reaction as Tinubu Postpones Return to Nigeria Until Tuesday, September 29
- Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad: Lawmakers Demand National Assembly Clarification On Section 145
- Ogun Deep Sea Port: FG Targets Lagos Port Decongestion As DP World Signs $7bn Deal
Online Reaction To Tinubu’s Return
News of Tinubu’s expected arrival in Lagos has generated discussion online, particularly because of the length of his stay abroad and the Presidency’s description of the trip as a working vacation.
A September 28 programme by News Central TV featured a discussion on the President’s return and the constitutional questions raised by his extended absence. Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun argued during the programme that Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution raises questions about presidential absence and the transmission of presidential powers. These were the views of the lawyer expressed during the programme and are not a judicial determination.
The online debate has therefore focused on two separate issues: the President’s stated engagements while abroad and questions from some commentators about the constitutional procedure governing presidential vacations and extended periods outside Nigeria.
Other social-media posts have focused on the President’s decision to return through Lagos and attend an event honouring MKO Abiola.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained engaged in official duties during his working vacation and has highlighted meetings with investors and other engagements during the trip.
Tinubu’s Lagos Engagements
The President’s arrival in Lagos is expected to precede several political and public engagements.
His appearance at the MKO Abiola movie premiere on October 1 will place the President at an event commemorating one of the central figures in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Tinubu’s planned political meetings will also come as political parties and potential contenders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
After his Lagos engagements, the President is expected to return to Abuja.
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