Presidency Says President Remains Engaged in Governance, Directs Affairs From Abroad
President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend.
The Presidency disclosed this on Monday, saying President Tinubu had remained actively engaged in the affairs of the country despite being abroad.
President Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for an initial three-week vacation, beginning in London, United Kingdom. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has continued to issue directives and communicate with government officials in Nigeria during the vacation.
The President recently ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
He directed that any official found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face prosecution. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
The Presidency also said Vice President Kashim Shettima and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had continued to represent Tinubu at official engagements.
Shettima is currently leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UNGA, dismissing criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm as baseless and irresponsible.
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2027 elections, the Presidency said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading consultations with traditional rulers across the country.