After weeks away from Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on his way home.
The President has departed Paris, France, bringing an end to his extended working vacation in Europe and beginning the final leg of his return to Nigeria.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday, September 29.
But rather than heading straight back to Abuja, the President is making Lagos his first stop.
Why Lagos comes first
Tinubu is expected to use his return to the country to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, a central figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President is scheduled to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities around Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The choice of Lagos gives the President’s return a symbolic dimension, combining his resumption of domestic engagements with a tribute to one of the figures associated with Nigeria’s long struggle for democratic rule.
From London to Paris
Tinubu’s European trip began on August 30, when he departed Abuja for London as part of his annual leave.
The Presidency initially announced a three-week working vacation, but later extended the trip by several days.
After spending about a week in London, Tinubu moved to Paris, where his itinerary included meetings with political and business figures.
Among them was French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Tinubu for a private dinner.
The Nigerian President also held discussions with French businessman Vincent Bolloré over possible investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy. The State House said Bolloré’s group expressed plans to deepen its operations in Nigeria across areas including film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
Otedola meeting, Ogun port deal
Tinubu’s Paris engagements also included a meeting with businessman Femi Otedola, according to the Presidency.
The President had earlier witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a deep seaport in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The State House said DP World plans to invest $7 billion in the seaport and economic zone, describing the agreement as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s investment and logistics infrastructure.
The Ogun project adds an economic dimension to what has otherwise been a closely watched presidential trip, particularly as the administration seeks to attract major private-sector investment into strategic sectors.
Vacation, but presidential business continued
Although Tinubu has been away from Nigeria for several weeks, the Presidency has maintained that the trip was a working vacation, rather than a complete break from official responsibilities.
The State House said the President remained in contact with officials at home and continued to issue directives while abroad.
During the period, Tinubu also directed the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at some official engagements while Tinubu was away.
Lagos before Abuja
The President’s return does not, however, mean an immediate return to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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According to the Presidency, Tinubu will remain in Lagos for several days, where he is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 elections before eventually returning to Abuja.
That political dimension makes his Lagos schedule particularly significant.
With the 2027 elections approaching, meetings involving party leaders and political associates are likely to attract attention as the administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress prepare for another major electoral cycle.
For now, though, the immediate picture is simpler.
After a journey that took him from Abuja to London and then Paris, Tinubu is heading back to Nigeria.
His first destination is Lagos, where history, Independence Day events, political consultations and presidential engagements will converge before he resumes his schedule in Abuja.
The European working vacation is over.
The home agenda begins in Lagos.