Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his ongoing working vacation in Europe by several days and is now expected to return to the country this weekend, the presidency said Monday.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga confirmed the extension in a statement, without specifying the exact number of additional days added to the trip. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for what had been billed as a three-week annual leave, his first extended vacation of 2026, with the original period concluding around September 20.
The president began his trip in London before relocating to Paris roughly a week later. While in the French capital, he held a private meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and separately met with French businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose media holdings include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Onanuga said Tinubu has continued directing government affairs remotely throughout his time abroad, including ordering an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
In the president’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume has been representing Tinubu at other official engagements during the trip.
The presidency separately dismissed criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with a U.S.-based lobbying firm, over Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UN gathering, describing the remarks as irresponsible.
No official return date beyond “this weekend” has yet been announced.
