Tinubu Returns to Nigeria, Says He Is ‘Hale and Strong’ After Four-Week Europe Stay

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending roughly four weeks in Europe, saying he is healthy, strong and prepared to resume his official responsibilities.

Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday evening from Paris, where he spent the final part of what the Presidency described as a working vacation.

His return comes after weeks of public discussion surrounding his extended stay outside Nigeria, particularly the decision to remain abroad during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Tinubu addresses concerns over his health

Shortly after arriving in Lagos, the President responded to journalists who asked about speculation surrounding his health.

Tinubu dismissed the concerns, saying political speculation was inevitable but insisting that he remained capable of carrying out his duties.

“I am hale and strong. I am ready to work,” Tinubu said, adding that he was “healthy, sound and ready to go.”

The remarks were Tinubu’s first direct response following his return after the prolonged European trip.

The President’s comments also come against the backdrop of recurring public discussions about his health, which have periodically featured in Nigeria’s political discourse.

Why Tinubu stayed abroad for about four weeks

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30, travelling first to London before proceeding to Paris, France.

The Presidency characterised the journey as a working vacation rather than a break entirely detached from government business.

While in France, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. His engagements also included discussions linked to investment and infrastructure projects.

One of the projects associated with his activities in France was the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun State, which has been presented as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s infrastructure and investment opportunities.

The Presidency also maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with government officials in Nigeria and continued to provide direction on matters of state during his absence.

Shettima represented Tinubu at UN General Assembly

One of the most notable developments during the President’s absence was his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at several engagements associated with the gathering.

Tinubu’s absence attracted political commentary, with opposition figures questioning the duration of his stay abroad and the decision to delegate representation at the UN.

The Presidency, however, maintained that the President’s location outside the country did not prevent him from performing his constitutional responsibilities.

Timeline of Tinubu’s European trip

August 30: President Tinubu departed Nigeria for Europe, initially travelling to London.

Early September: He subsequently moved to Paris, where the latter part of his working vacation took place.

September: Tinubu held diplomatic and business-related engagements, including meetings involving French officials and investors.

September 2026: Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

September 29: Tinubu returned to Lagos from Paris after extending his stay by several days.

October 1: The President is expected to participate in Nigeria’s Independence Day activities before returning to Abuja.

What happens next?

Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for activities surrounding Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

His schedule is expected to include official engagements connected to the anniversary before he returns to Abuja to continue work from the nation’s capital.

His return also places renewed attention on the administration’s domestic agenda, particularly as the government continues to face economic, political and security challenges.

For now, Tinubu’s own message after returning is that he is ready to get back to work.

Why the development matters

The President’s return ends a period that generated considerable discussion about presidential travel, official representation and his health.

It also provides an opportunity for the Presidency to shift attention back toward domestic governance and the government’s policy agenda.

While questions about the length and nature of the trip generated political debate, the Presidency has consistently described the journey as a working vacation and said the President continued to discharge his responsibilities while abroad.

The coming days are therefore likely to focus less on the trip itself and more on Tinubu’s post-vacation schedule, including Independence Day activities and the administration’s next policy priorities