President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, ending a four-week trip to Europe that included stops in London and Paris. The President arrived aboard Nigerian Air Force One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the aircraft pulling into the presidential wing at approximately 6:22pm.
Arrival in Lagos and Media Restrictions
Despite the significance of the occasion, journalists at the airport were denied access to cover President Tinubu's arrival. Media coverage was blocked as the plane approached the terminal, preventing journalists from recording or photographing the president. The restriction was applied as the aircraft neared the terminal, leaving media practitioners unable to document the event.
The President's return marks the conclusion of a working vacation that began on August 30, when he left Nigeria for London before travelling onwards to Paris. In France, Tinubu held meetings with President Emmanuel Macron, with the two leaders sharing a dinner as part of the engagements.
Upcoming Independence Anniversary Activities
With his return, the President is now expected to take part in activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The anniversary events are scheduled to follow shortly after his arrival, with the President's participation anticipated as part of the national calendar.
The four-week absence had drawn attention from political observers, particularly regarding the length of the trip and the President's official engagements abroad. The trip included both bilateral discussions and personal time, according to reports from the period.
Senate President Defends Tinubu's Extended Vacation
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed calls for Tinubu to hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his working vacation abroad. Akpabio spoke in Akwa Ibom state while commissioning road projects and addressed concerns over the President's three-week holiday, which had been extended by one week.
The presidency had not provided a formal return date for Tinubu as at the time Akpabio made his remarks. Akpabio's comments came amid public discussion about the extended absence, with some voices calling for a temporary transfer of power during the President's time away.
With the President now back in the country, the focus shifts to the upcoming Independence Anniversary celebrations and the administration's agenda for the remainder of the year.
