President Tinubu to Return Tuesday, Mark Independence Anniversary in Lagos

 

President Bola Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, after spending about four weeks on a working vacation in Europe.

The President is scheduled to arrive in Lagos, where he will observe Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1 before returning to Abuja next weekend.

Presidency sources said Tinubu would arrive through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where he is expected to be received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos through Thursday, October 1, when he will mark the Independence anniversary and deliver a national broadcast.

The Federal Government has announced that the President’s Independence Day address will form part of activities marking the 66th anniversary. Other events include a public lecture scheduled for September 30.

Tinubu’s decision to spend the anniversary period in Lagos would mark the second consecutive year he has observed Nigeria’s Independence Day in the commercial capital.

Last year, the President also marked the anniversary in Lagos amid heightened security concerns following allegations of a planned military coup. The Federal Government subsequently cancelled the Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1, 2025.

Military officers and civilian collaborators accused of involvement in the alleged plot are currently facing trial.

Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for a few days after the anniversary to attend to official engagements before returning to Abuja next weekend.

The President’s return will mark the end of an extended working vacation that began on August 30, when he departed Abuja for London.

The Presidency had initially announced a three-week annual leave, with London as his first destination. After spending about a week there, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

On September 21, the Presidency announced that the President would extend his stay in Europe by a few days and return to Nigeria at the weekend. His latest itinerary, however, indicates that he will return on Tuesday.

Despite his absence from the country, Tinubu has continued to receive briefings and issue directives on matters of national importance.

One of the major developments during his absence was his directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

The Federal Government subsequently constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee, while several NSCDC officers were suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has also represented the President at several official engagements during his absence, including Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA and delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President.

With the Vice President also out of the country, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has represented the President at selected official functions in line with existing arrangements.

Tinubu’s return also comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the APC leadership engaging traditional and religious leaders across the country as part of its mobilisation efforts.

Upon his return, attention is expected to focus on the President’s Independence Day address, his engagements in Lagos and the resumption of presidential activities in Abuja.