President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after spending about four weeks on a working vacation in Europe.
The President is expected to return through Lagos, where he will participate in activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary before returning to Abuja the following weekend.
Presidency sources said Tinubu is expected to arrive through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where he is expected to be received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tinubu to Mark October 1 Independence Day in Lagos
Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos through Thursday, October 1, when Nigeria will celebrate its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The President is expected to deliver a nationwide Independence Day broadcast as part of the anniversary activities.
The Federal Government has already released the programme for the 66th Independence Anniversary. It includes a public lecture on Wednesday, September 30, followed by the President's nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.
This would be the second consecutive year Tinubu marks Nigeria's Independence Day in Lagos.
In 2025, the President also observed the anniversary in Lagos. The Federal Government subsequently cancelled the Independence Day parade that year, while other anniversary activities continued.
Tinubu's Four-Week Working Vacation in Europe
Tinubu began his working vacation on August 30, 2026, departing Nigeria for London.
The Presidency initially announced that the President would spend three weeks on the trip. After about a week in London, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency later announced on September 21 that Tinubu would extend his stay in Europe by a few days before returning to Nigeria.
His latest reported itinerary now puts his return date at Tuesday, September 29.
Tinubu Continued to Receive Briefings While Abroad
Although Tinubu has been outside Nigeria, the Presidency said he has continued to receive briefings and direct government affairs.
One of the major issues addressed during his absence was the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The President ordered an independent investigation into the incident, after which the Federal Government constituted a 10-member investigative committee. Several NSCDC officers were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
Shettima Represented Tinubu at Official Engagements
During the President's absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements.
Shettima travelled to New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly and delivered Nigeria's national statement on behalf of President Tinubu.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also represented the President at selected official functions during the period.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed that arrangements were in place for senior government officials to represent the President at engagements while he was away.
Tinubu's Return Comes Ahead of 2027 Election Preparations
The President's return also comes as political parties continue preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency previously disclosed that Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, had been leading consultations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders across the country.
With Tinubu expected back in Lagos on September 29, attention is expected to shift to his Independence Day address on October 1, his official engagements in Lagos and his subsequent return to Abuja.
The Federal Government has said this year's Independence anniversary activities are centred on the theme “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria's Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
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