President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria after spending about four weeks abroad.
The President left Abuja on August 30 for London, where he began his annual leave, before travelling to Paris, France. The Presidency had initially announced that he would spend three weeks abroad but later extended his stay by a few days.
His return was subsequently rescheduled, with the Presidency confirming that he would arrive in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29.
The prolonged absence had attracted criticism from some opposition figures, who questioned the duration of the President’s stay abroad and his decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency, however, maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
In a statement on Tuesday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu had departed Paris for Nigeria.
According to Onanuga, the President’s aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.
He said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.
Onanuga added that the President would attend the premiere of a documentary commemorating the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola at the National Theatre, Lagos.
Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for the Independence Day activities before returning to Abuja next weekend.
