The Presidency has dismissed concerns surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, stating that the President is “hale and hearty” and has continued to discharge his official responsibilities while on a working vacation in Europe.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu’s absence from Abuja should not be interpreted as an inability to govern, noting that modern communication technology allows the President to remain engaged with national affairs while outside the country.
President Tinubu began his working vacation on August 30, 2026, travelling first to London before moving to Paris, France. The Presidency said that throughout the period, he remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs. Vice President Kashim Shettima was also delegated to represent him at several official engagements, including Nigeria’s participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
One of the President’s recent engagements took place in Paris, where he witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
According to the State House, the agreements are expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment and potentially generate over 50,000 direct jobs when the projects are fully developed. President Tinubu used the occasion to assure investors of continued regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable business environment.
The proposed Ogun Waterside project is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy, improve logistics and provide an alternative trade gateway capable of supporting larger vessels. The Federal Government has linked the development to its broader economic diversification and infrastructure strategy.
Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UN General Assembly has generated public discussion in Nigeria. The Presidency has maintained that the President deliberately delegated representation to Vice President Shettima while continuing to perform his duties remotely. Reports also noted that several other African leaders were absent from the 2026 UN General Assembly, although the circumstances surrounding each leader’s absence differed.
The issue has also attracted political commentary, including questions from former presidential candidate Peter Obi concerning the President’s whereabouts and absence from the UN gathering. The Presidency has responded by reiterating that Tinubu has been working while abroad and is expected to return to Nigeria.
According to the latest information from the Presidency, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week. His itinerary includes participation in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The President is also scheduled to serve as Chief Host at the Lagos premiere of MKO, a documentary about the life and political struggle of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election. The documentary is scheduled to premiere at the National Theatre in Lagos on October 1, Independence Day, before its nationwide cinema release on October 2.
The Presidency’s position is therefore that President Tinubu’s absence from Abuja has been part of a declared working vacation rather than a suspension of his official responsibilities, with delegated representation and remote communication being used to maintain continuity of government.
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