By Asaye Bankole
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, following an extended stay in Europe that lasted about four weeks.
Presidency sources said the President is expected to arrive in Lagos, where he will be received at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos until Thursday, October 1, when Nigeria will celebrate its 66th Independence Anniversary.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the President is expected to address Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast. The Federal Government has also lined up other programmes, including a public lecture scheduled for September 30.
This will be the second consecutive year that Tinubu will celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day in Lagos.
The President also marked the 2025 Independence anniversary in the commercial capital amid heightened security concerns following reports of an alleged plan to overthrow the government.
The military parade planned for October 1, 2025, was subsequently cancelled by the Federal Government. Several military personnel and alleged civilian collaborators linked to the reported plot are currently facing trial while in detention.
How the European Trip Began
Tinubu left Abuja for London on August 30 after the Presidency announced that he would spend three weeks on annual leave.
After spending roughly a week in London, the President travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Bolloré has business interests spanning several sectors, including media and entertainment, with links to companies such as Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had decided to extend his stay in Europe for a few additional days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
His latest itinerary, however, indicates that he will now arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29.
Despite being outside the country, the President continued to receive briefings on national issues and issue directives on matters requiring presidential attention.
Among the major issues addressed during his absence was the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who were reportedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be thoroughly and transparently investigated.
Following the directive, the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the incident. Some NSCDC personnel were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Shettima Leads Nigeria’s UNGA Delegation
While Tinubu was away, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at several important official engagements.
Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York after departing Abuja on September 20.
At the global gathering, the Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Tinubu and participated in other official engagements.
With Shettima also travelling outside Nigeria, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented the President at selected official functions in line with the arrangements announced by the Presidency.
Return Amid 2027 Political Activities
Tinubu’s return comes at a time political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Within the ruling All Progressives Congress, party leaders have continued consultations and mobilisation activities across different parts of the country.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has recently led party officials in engagements with traditional rulers and religious leaders as part of preparations for the forthcoming electoral cycle.
Following Tinubu’s expected arrival in Lagos on Tuesday, attention will turn to his Independence Day activities, including his scheduled national broadcast on October 1.
The President is also expected to resume his regular official duties, with his eventual return to Abuja expected to mark the end of his extended European stay.
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