Tinubu Returns After 30 Days in Europe, Says ‘I’m Healthy and Ready to Work’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about 30 days in Europe, declaring that he is healthy, sound and ready to work after his extended working vacation.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22pm on Tuesday after departing Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his trip.

Speaking briefly after his arrival, the President said he had enjoyed his time abroad and dismissed concerns about his health.

“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said when asked about his trip.

Asked whether he was ready to resume work, he replied: “Ready to kick. Ready to work. There’s nothing wrong.” He also described himself as “healthy, sound and ready to go.”

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation. He spent time in London before travelling to Paris, with the Presidency later announcing an extension of his stay.

During the European trip, Tinubu maintained contact with Nigerian officials and continued to receive updates on government affairs, according to the Presidency.

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While in Paris, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace and met French businessman Vincent Bolloré and executives of the Bolloré Group.

He also witnessed the signing of an agreement involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone. The Presidency has described the proposed project as a $7 billion investment.

Tinubu’s extended stay abroad attracted public debate, particularly after he did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA and delivered the country’s national statement.

The Presidency defended the arrangement, maintaining that Tinubu remained in charge of government and continued to direct affairs while abroad.

His return to Nigeria through Lagos also comes ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of MKO, a documentary on the life of the late businessman and pro-democracy campaigner MKO Abiola, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

The film features archival material and interviews with prominent Nigerians, including former military leaders Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and Tinubu.

Tinubu’s return brings his extended European working vacation to an end, with the President expected to resume his regular official engagements as the administration enters the final quarter of 2026.

Tinubu Returns After 30 Days in Europe, Says ‘I’m Healthy and Ready to Work’

Breaking: Tinubu Ends Extended European Vacation, Departs Paris for Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, bringing to an end his extended working vacation in Europe, with his aircraft expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, later Tuesday.

The President left Abuja on August 30 for London to begin his working vacation and subsequently moved to Paris, where he held official engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders.

His stay, initially expected to last about three weeks, was extended by the Presidency, which announced on September 21 that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after a few additional days.

In a statement on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tinubu had departed Paris for Nigeria.

Onanuga said the President’s aircraft was expected to touch down in Lagos later in the day.

According to the presidential spokesman, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely associated with the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.

The President is also expected to participate in activities surrounding Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1 before returning to Abuja.

Tinubu’s prolonged absence from the country had generated public debate, particularly after he did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria.

The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu remained engaged with the affairs of government throughout his stay abroad. It said he continued to issue directives and conduct official business remotely while Vice President Shettima and other senior government officials represented him at various engagements.

During his stay in France, Tinubu also held talks with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group on expanded investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy. The State House said the discussions covered areas including film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and related sectors.

His return comes as the administration continues to focus on its economic reform programme, infrastructure development, energy transition and investment drive.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos for the Independence anniversary activities before returning to Abuja.

Agbede Mourns Baba Alado, Says Mushin Has Lost Pillar of Peace

Mushin community in Lagos has lost one of its foremost voices for peace, dialogue and stability with the death of a prominent community leader and grassroots mobiliser, Chief Alhaji Taoreed Faronbi, popularly known as Baba Alado.

Former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State Council, Alhaji (Chief) Tajudeen Agbede, who is also the Balogun of Agege, described the death of the 83-year-old community leader as a monumental loss to Mushin, Lagos State and the transport union family.

Baba Alado, the Olori Ebi of the Alagbeji Royal Family in Papa Ajao and Babaloja of Aswani International Market, died in the early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026.

In a condolence message personally signed on Sunday in Lagos, Agbede said the late community leader played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Mushin, particularly during his tenure as chairman of the Lagos State NURTW.

According to him, Baba Alado was more than a community leader, as he served as a trusted bridge-builder whose counsel often helped to prevent disagreements from escalating into crises.

“During my tenure as Lagos NURTW Chairman, Baba Alado was a formidable force for peace and stability, especially in the Mushin axis, which remains strategic to union activities.

“At moments when tension arose, Baba Alado’s timely intervention, fatherly counsel and authoritative voice helped us maintain peace and brotherhood among members. He was not a distant leader.

“He was a constant, regular and respected face at every major union activity and event organised under my chairmanship,” Agbede stated.

The former NURTW boss said Baba Alado’s influence extended beyond the transport sector, noting that he promoted dialogue and understanding among transport workers, market traders, youths and traditional leaders in Mushin.

Agbede described the deceased as a detribalised leader and devout Muslim who devoted his life to the progress of his community and the welfare of those around him.

“He was a good adviser, a detribalised leader and a devout Muslim who touched many lives. His wisdom, calm disposition and steadfast commitment to the progress of Mushin and Lagos State will be long remembered,” he added.

Agbede extended his condolences to the wives and children of the deceased, members of the Alagbeji Royal Family, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, and the people of Mushin.

He also commiserated with the Lagos State Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, as well as members of the transport union family.

Agbede prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Baba Alado’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

He also prayed for Allah’s comfort and fortitude for the deceased’s family and all those mourning his passage.