President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe, saying he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go” amid public questions about his health.
Tinubu made the comment on Tuesday after arriving in Lagos from Paris, where he spent the latter part of his working vacation.
Responding to questions about concerns over his health, the President said there was nothing wrong with him and dismissed the reports as part of political rumours.
The State House said Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after he departed Paris.
The President was received in Lagos by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Special Adviser on Political Affairs Ibrahim Masari, among other officials.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for his working vacation. He initially spent time in London before travelling to Paris, where he held a number of meetings and engagements.
Tinubu begins Lagos engagements
According to the Presidency, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos partly to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The President is expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a film about Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu.
He is also expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections, before returning to Abuja.
Tinubu’s return follows an extension of his working vacation. The State House had earlier announced that he would remain in Europe for additional days after initially planning a shorter stay.
Meetings and investment discussions
During his time in France, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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He also met Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group to discuss investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy. The group’s interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
The President also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport at Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The Presidency said DP World plans to invest $7 billion in the proposed seaport and economic zone.
Tinubu also met with First Holdings Chairman Femi Otedola before ending his European stay.
With his return to Nigeria, the President is now expected to resume his engagements in Lagos before returning to Abuja, while political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue.