After an extended working vacation in Europe, President Bola Tinubu has departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, with his aircraft expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later today.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu opted to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom the Presidency describes as a martyr of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
On Independence Day, the President is expected to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation, spending his first week in London before proceeding to Paris. The Presidency later extended the vacation by several days.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and also met with businessman Vincent Bolloré to discuss investment opportunities in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The President also met with businessman Femi Otedola on Monday, according to reports on his activities in Paris.
While in France, Tinubu also witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The projects form part of an investment package valued at more than $7 billion, with DP World expected to play a major role in developing the seaport and associated economic zone.
The Presidency said Tinubu remained engaged with developments in Nigeria throughout the vacation, including directing government actions and holding discussions on investment and other national matters.
On arrival in Lagos, the President is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates before returning to Abuja after his engagements in the state.
His return comes as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with the President expected to resume a series of political and official engagements following his extended stay in Europe.
