Tinubu extends European working vacation, returning by weekend

President Tinubu extended his working vacation in Europe by several days with plans to return to Nigeria by the weekend. The Presidency confirmed his continued involvement in domestic affairs through remote directives while Vice President Shettima represented him at the UN General Assembly.

Quick Facts

Extended working vacation in Europe
Met with French President and businessman in Paris
Ordered independent panel to investigate deaths of illegal miners
Delegated representatives to attend UN General Assembly
Issued directives to direct affairs of government while abroad

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by several days and is expected to return to Nigeria by the weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday, September 21, 2026. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he spent one week before traveling to Paris, France. In Paris, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.

Despite his absence from Nigeria, the Presidency said Tinubu remained engaged with domestic governance. The President ordered an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other directives issued while abroad. The Presidency emphasized that Tinubu had "continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation" during his extended leave.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented Tinubu at official functions during his absence. Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he represented Nigeria and delivered the nation's statement. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume has also represented the President at domestic events and will continue to do so in Shettima's absence.

On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, led consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Presidency responded to criticism over Tinubu's non-attendance at the UN General Assembly, describing insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm as "baseless" and "irresponsible." The Presidency defended the arrangement, stating that Shettima's representation was adequate for the global conference.

Topics

Politics World

#Nigeria #Macron #London #Europe #Bola Tinubu #VP Shettima #2027 elections #Nigeria president #Vice President Shettima #vacation extension

Entities

Why This Matters

Tinubu's extended absence from Nigeria during a period of active domestic governance—including ordering investigations into miner deaths and issuing policy directives—raises questions about executive continuity and delegation in crisis management. The Presidency's defense against criticism from political opponents and US lobbyists over his non-attendance at the UN General Assembly reflects domestic political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections. Measurable effects include VP Shettima's formal representation at the 81st UN General Assembly, SGF Akume's domestic delegation responsibilities, and the investigative panel's mandate to report on the Minna mining incident.

Timeline & Sources

Aug 30, 2026

Wire

President Tinubu departs Nigeria for London to begin three-week working vacation

Sep 20, 2026

Wire

Vice President Shettima departs Abuja for New York to attend 81st UN General Assembly

Sep 22, 2026

Wire

UN General Assembly general debate begins

Sep 22, 2026

Wire

UN General Assembly general debate begins; VP Shettima represents Nigeria