President returns after Paris engagements with Macron, Bolloré, Otedola and DP World investment discussions
By Jimoh Ahmed
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended his extended working vacation in Europe and departed Paris, France, for Nigeria, with Lagos set to be his first port of call.
The Presidency said the President’s aircraft was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, September 29, after which he will begin a series of engagements in the commercial capital.
Tinubu’s return comes exactly one month after he left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation that took him first to London and subsequently to Paris. The Presidency initially announced a three-week vacation but later extended the trip by several days.
The President’s decision to return through Lagos is linked, according to the Presidency, to his planned participation in activities honouring the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Tinubu is scheduled to attend the October 1 premiere of a film honouring Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The President is also expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos over the coming days ahead of the 2027 elections, before returning to Abuja.
FROM LONDON TO PARIS
Although designated a working vacation, Tinubu’s month-long stay in Europe included a series of diplomatic and investment-related engagements.
In Paris, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, while also meeting business figures as the Federal Government sought to deepen investment and economic partnerships.
Among those he met was Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. The State House said the discussions covered expanded investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, including film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
Tinubu also met First HoldCo Chairman, Femi Otedola, during his stay in Paris.
Another major engagement involved the proposed development of a deep-sea port and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun State.
At a September 24 event in Paris, the Ogun State Government and DP World signed memoranda of understanding concerning the proposed Ogun Waterside deep-sea port and associated economic zone. The State House said DP World planned to invest $7 billion in the project.
BACK HOME
Tinubu’s return brings to an end a month-long period away from Nigeria during which the Presidency maintained that he continued to direct the affairs of government.
During the period, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official functions, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume also represented the President at other events.
The President’s arrival in Lagos now puts attention on his Independence Day programme, the Abiola tribute and the meetings scheduled during his stay.
He is expected to return to Abuja after completing the Lagos engagements.