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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation, declaring that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume his duties.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, after departing Paris, France.
Speaking briefly with journalists after his arrival, the President was asked how he found his time away from the country.
“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said.
He was subsequently asked about concerns and speculation surrounding his health during his extended stay in Europe. The President dismissed the concerns, saying he was in good condition and ready to resume work.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” he said.
Tinubu added that political rumours would continue to emerge, but said his return demonstrated his condition.
“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” the President said.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation. He later proceeded to Paris, France, where he held engagements with political and business figures.
During his stay in Paris, the President met French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré. He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning plans for a deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
The Presidency subsequently announced that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days.
His extended absence attracted public and political debate, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the global gathering and delivered the country’s national statement.
The Presidency maintained throughout the period that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s first engagements after returning will take place in Lagos before he proceeds back to Abuja.
The President is expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, including the October 1 premiere of a film honouring the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos.
The Presidency also said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
With his return now confirmed, the President has signalled his readiness to resume his domestic schedule after the month-long European stay.
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