By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, with Lagos set to be his first destination before he returns to Abuja.

According to a statement dated September 29, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, later on Tuesday. The Presidency had earlier confirmed that the President would return on September 29 after extending his working vacation by a few days.

The President's decision to return through Lagos will see him spend the Independence Day period in the commercial capital, where he is scheduled to attend the premiere of a movie honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, on October 1.

The State House said Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos over several days as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency initially announced as a three-week annual vacation, beginning with a week in London before he proceeded to Paris. The Presidency subsequently described the trip as a working vacation and announced on September 21 that his stay abroad had been extended by a few days.

During his stay in Paris, the President met with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group, according to the State House.

He also held a meeting with businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, on Monday.

The Presidency also highlighted Tinubu's participation in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway deep seaport in Ogun Waterside and the creation of a Blue Marine Economic Zone.

According to the State House, the proposed project involves a planned $7 billion investment by DP World in the seaport and economic zone.

The President's return follows several weeks away from Nigeria during which Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at a number of official engagements, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu remained in touch with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

After his engagements in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja next weekend, according to the latest presidential itinerary.