TINUBU LEAVES PARIS FOR NIGERIA, HEADS TO LAGOS AFTER WORKING VACATIO
President Returns After Paris Investment Engagements, Heads Into Independence Day Programme
By Gloria Fraser, MFR
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Paris for Nigeria, bringing to an end a European working vacation that generated considerable political debate at home but also featured a series of diplomatic, investment and economic engagements.
The Presidency confirmed on Tuesday, September 29, that the President had left the French capital and was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, later in the evening.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week annual working vacation. His first stop was London, where he spent about a week before proceeding to Paris. His stay was subsequently extended by several days.
His return therefore closes a month-long period outside Nigeria that became the subject of intense political discussion, particularly over the constitutional implications of the President’s prolonged absence.
But the Paris period was not devoid of presidential activity.
According to official records, Tinubu continued to conduct government business and held a number of significant engagements while in France.
Among them was a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The Presidency described the encounter as reflecting the continuing relationship between Nigeria and France and a shared interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Tinubu also held extensive discussions with French businessman Vincent Bolloré on increased investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy. The talks covered film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and related sectors, with emphasis on expanding Nigerian operations and creating employment opportunities locally.
Perhaps the most economically significant event during the Paris stay came on September 24, when Tinubu witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and global ports and logistics operator DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The Presidency said the agreements envisage initial investments exceeding $7 billion, with projections of more than 50,000 direct jobs when fully developed. The proposed deep seaport is designed to ease pressure on Lagos’ congested port infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s position in maritime trade and logistics.
At the signing ceremony, Tinubu told investors that Nigeria would continue to pursue regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable investment environment.
«“These agreements bring together vision, expertise, capital and execution capacity,” the President said.»
His government also advanced the Digital Free Zones initiative during the European stay, with the President directing work towards a roadmap for full implementation. The initiative is intended to make it easier for Nigerian technology and service companies to raise international capital and operate globally while retaining their businesses, intellectual property and employment base in Nigeria.
The President’s extended absence was nevertheless politically contentious.
Opposition figures and some members of the National Assembly questioned the constitutional arrangements during the period, particularly after Vice President Kashim Shettima also travelled to New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Some lawmakers subsequently called for the National Assembly to reconvene over the issue.
The African Action Congress also filed a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the President’s failure to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives before proceeding on vacation. The case raises questions concerning the interpretation of Section 145 of the Constitution; no determination by the court has yet been reported.
The Presidency maintained throughout the controversy that Tinubu remained engaged with the affairs of government while abroad and had delegated Vice President Shettima to represent him at specified official functions.
With the President now on his way home, attention shifts from the controversy over his absence to the agenda awaiting him.
Tinubu is returning first to Lagos rather than Abuja. According to the Presidency, the decision is connected with plans to honour the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and one of the defining figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
On October 1, as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the President is expected to attend the premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The symbolism is difficult to miss.
Tinubu, himself a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, is returning to Nigeria on the eve of Independence celebrations and heading directly into a programme commemorating a man whose struggle helped reshape the country’s democratic history.
But beyond symbolism lies the harder business of governance.
Nigeria enters another Independence anniversary confronting persistent concerns over the cost of living, insecurity and the need to translate macroeconomic reforms and announced investments into improvements Nigerians can see in their everyday lives.
The President therefore returns not merely to the ceremonies of Independence Day, but to the continuing test of converting reform into measurable outcomes.
The aircraft may be bringing the President home from Paris, but the more consequential journey remains Nigeria’s own — from economic stabilisation towards jobs, productivity, security and broadly shared prosperity.
THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS POSITION
The National Patriots warmly welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Nigeria and wishes him renewed strength as he continues the important work of governance and economic reform.
We hope the President’s engagements with political and business leaders in Europe will translate beyond agreements and discussions into tangible investments, jobs, stronger economic activity and measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Ultimately, the true value of international engagements must be reflected at home—in greater opportunities, improved livelihoods and shared prosperity for our people.
Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR
President, the National Patriots.
