By Abayomi Balogun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for an initial three-week vacation in Europe, beginning with a stay in London, United Kingdom.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President had extended his stay by “a few days” and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Presidency said Tinubu had remained actively engaged in the affairs of government throughout his absence, maintaining communication with officials in Nigeria and issuing directives on matters of national importance.
After spending about a week in London, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The President also met Bolloré on Friday to discuss opportunities for expanding investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Presidency said Tinubu had continued to direct government affairs while abroad, including ordering a full investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Tinubu had directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be thoroughly investigated and that any official found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face prosecution.
Following the directive, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has continued to represent Tinubu at designated official engagements.
Shettima is currently leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has also continued to represent the President at official functions.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UN General Assembly, dismissing criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm.
Onanuga described the criticism as “baseless” and “irresponsible,” saying Shettima had the President’s mandate to represent Nigeria at the global gathering.
On the political front, the Presidency said Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading consultations with traditional rulers across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu’s vacation was initially scheduled to last three weeks, following his departure from Abuja on August 30.