President lands in Lagos from Paris ahead of independence day
Lagos, September 29, 2026 — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived back in Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, after nearly a month in Europe. He left Abuja on August 30 for what the presidency initially described as a three-week leave, but ultimately extended his stay by several days. His plane touched down in Lagos from Paris at around 6:22 p.m., according to Nigerian media.
The return comes just two days before Nigeria marks its 66th independence anniversary on October 1. Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for several official engagements before returning to Abuja later. The federal government has announced a presidential address to the nation on independence day.
European trip initially planned for three weeks
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for his annual leave. The presidency said at the time that he would travel first to London before returning to Nigeria after three weeks.
After about a week in the United Kingdom, the Nigerian leader moved to Paris, where his stay included several meetings the presidency described as working engagements.
In France, Tinubu met with President Emmanuel Macron over a private dinner. He also held talks with businessman Vincent Bolloré and met Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo. The presidency also highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State government and DP World for the development of a deep-sea port and a maritime economic zone. The project is announced with a potential investment of $7 billion.
The extension of the presidential trip was officially announced on September 21. The presidency said Tinubu remained in contact with Nigerian authorities and continued to monitor state affairs from abroad.
Return to Lagos rather than Abuja
For his return to Nigeria, the president chose Lagos, the country’s economic capital and former political capital, instead of Abuja. The presidency says the choice is partly meant to honour Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a major figure in Nigerian political history.
On October 1, Tinubu is scheduled to attend the premiere of a film about MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. Abiola won the June 1993 presidential election, whose annulment plunged Nigeria into a severe political crisis.
The head of state will also take part in activities marking the 66th independence anniversary. A public debate on the commemoration is planned for September 30, while the presidential address to the nation is set for October 1. The government has themed this year’s edition: “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
Questions raised during his absence
The length of the presidential trip raised questions among some Nigerians, especially after the announcement of its extension. His absence also coincided with the United Nations General Assembly, which he did not attend in person. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria in New York.
On arrival in Lagos, Tinubu himself addressed questions about his health. Asked by journalists, he said he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go,” dismissing rumours that had circulated during his European stay.
The presidency insists the trip was professional in nature, describing it as a “working vacation,” a leave period during which the head of state continued to follow government business.
Focus on celebrations and 2027
Tinubu’s return also comes amid political preparations for the presidential and national elections in January 2027. When his departure was announced, the presidency said the president would resume political activities related to that vote after his leave.
In Lagos, the head of state is expected to combine independence ceremonies with political meetings and talks with several officials. According to the presidency, consultations with political leaders and close aides are planned in the coming days before his return to Abuja.
For Nigeria, this presidential return comes at a symbolic moment. The country is preparing to celebrate 66 years of independence as the government promotes its economic reforms and seeks to shift the official narrative from stabilisation toward growth and prosperity.
After four weeks in Europe, Bola Tinubu is back in Nigeria for a sequence that is at once institutional, economic and political. In Lagos, the coming days will be devoted to independence celebrations, but also to the resumption of a presidential agenda that is expected to quickly bring the head of state back to the heart of national affairs.
