By George Omagbemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his three-week working vacation abroad by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency has announced.
The development was disclosed on Monday, September 21, 2026, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the vacation. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he travelled to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
It cited his directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other decisions taken during his absence.
The Presidency said Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented Tinubu at some official functions while he was away.
However, Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the global gathering.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is also expected to continue representing the President at some official engagements.
The extension comes after the original three-week period announced when Tinubu left Nigeria elapsed, amid public debate over his prolonged absence and his decision not to personally attend UNGA 81.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of the affairs of government and will return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Leave a Reply