President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended working vacation in Europe, declaring that he is healthy and ready to resume work.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after leaving Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially announced as a three-week annual vacation. He first travelled to London before moving to Paris, where he held official engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Speaking with journalists after arriving at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Tinubu directly addressed speculation that had circulated about his health during his absence.
“I enjoyed myself. I’m ready to kick. I’m ready to work,” the President said, according to reports from journalists who spoke with him after his arrival. He added that he was “healthy and sound” and ready to resume work.
Tinubu also attributed the health-related rumours to politics, saying: “Rumour will always be emanating from politics. But the fact remains I’m here. Healthy and sound.”
The President’s comments followed earlier assurances from the Presidency about his wellbeing. On September 27, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and had continued to carry out official responsibilities while abroad.
The Presidency had initially said Tinubu would return after three weeks but announced on September 21 that he had extended the working vacation by a few days. At the time, it said he had remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs from abroad.
His return to Lagos comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The Federal Government said Tinubu is expected to participate in anniversary activities in Lagos, including a national broadcast and the premiere of a documentary on the late MKO Abiola.
The Presidency has also said Tinubu will undertake official engagements in Lagos before returning to Abuja after the Independence Day celebrations.
Tinubu’s return ends nearly a month of travel outside Nigeria and comes after his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the country on his behalf.