President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his ongoing working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, to begin a three-week annual leave. After spending about a week in London, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs during his time abroad.
Among the actions attributed to the President while on the working vacation was an order for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented the President at some official engagements. Shettima travelled to New York on September 20 to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
With Shettima away, the Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who has also represented the President at official events, will continue in that role.
The President’s return is now expected at the weekend following the extension of his stay in Europe.
The Presidency also said Tinubu has continued to follow political developments at home during his absence, including consultations being led by the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, with prominent traditional rulers.
The latest announcement updates the initial plan announced by the State House on August 30, when it said the President would spend three weeks on annual leave in Europe before returning to Nigeria.