President Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, Set to Return to Nigeria This Weekend

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, September 21, 2026.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, France, where the Presidency said he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

The Presidency said the President has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct the affairs of government during his absence.

Among the matters cited by the Presidency was Tinubu's directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented the President at some official engagements during the vacation. Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to participate in activities surrounding the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations has scheduled the General Assembly's high-level general debate for September 22 to 28, 2026, in New York. 

According to the Presidency, Shettima will present Nigeria's national statement at the global gathering, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at other official engagements in his absence.

The statement also addressed political activities during the President's absence, saying Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations involving political leaders and traditional rulers.

The Presidency further criticised comments attributed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm concerning President Tinubu's absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the claims as unfounded.