President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency confirmed that the President would return home following the brief extension of his leave.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on 30 August for London, United Kingdom, to begin the working vacation. After spending about a week in London, he proceeded to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose media group includes Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
The Presidency emphasised that Tinubu has remained fully engaged with developments in Nigeria throughout his absence and has continued to direct the affairs of government from Europe.
Among other directives, the President ordered an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
While the President has been away, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official functions. Shettima is currently in New York attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has also continued to represent the President at official engagements.
“President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.