President Bola Tinubu’s working vacation has been extended by a few days, and he is now expected to return to Nigeria by the weekend.
ThelensNG reports that President Tinubu departed Nigeria for London on August 30 to begin his working vacation.
After spending a week in London, he travelled to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr. Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Onanuga noted that since beginning his vacation, President Tinubu has remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of the nation.
According to him, this includes the President’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among other matters.
“While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. Though Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at events, will continue to do so,” the statement said.
On political matters, Onanuga stated that the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
Reacting to criticism from African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, his United States lobbying firm, and other notable Nigerians over President Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Presidency described the criticism as irresponsible.
The 81st session of the UNGA will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Onanuga reiterated that Shettima, who is representing the President at the global gathering, will deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
