President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cut short his annual work vacation and is set to return to Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to resume official duties, according to a statement from the Presidency. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who confirmed that Tinubu concluded his planned 10-day leave ahead of schedule.
The President had initially departed Nigeria on September 4, 2025, for a working vacation in Europe, dividing his time between France and the United Kingdom. During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon at the Élysée Palace with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen partnerships to promote mutual prosperity and global stability. This engagement is part of Tinubu’s extensive diplomatic endeavors; it marks his seventh visit to Paris since taking office in May 2023 and his first since attending the BRICS summit in Brazil and the TICAD9 conference in Japan over the summer.
President Tinubu’s 2025 international engagements have been robust, with 15 trips across 11 countries in the first nine months of the year alone. Among these were visits to Africa, Europe, the Gulf States, and Latin America, including attending major summits, inaugurations, and bilateral engagements. Notably, his diplomacy has focused on boosting Nigeria’s investment climate, maritime security, energy cooperation, and fostering continental trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Bayo Onanuga emphasized the President’s commitment to balancing work and rest during his “working vacation,” a strategy that allows Tinubu to maintain active governance while fulfilling his annual leave entitlement. The early conclusion of the vacation and prompt return underscores the President’s focus on timely governance amid Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic challenges.
Experts note that Tinubu’s frequent international engagements show a strategic effort to elevate Nigeria’s global standing and attract foreign investments critical for economic development. Political analyst Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke remarked, “The President’s decision to end his vacation early reflects a sense of urgency to address pressing national matters. His proactive diplomacy positions Nigeria favorably on the global stage, which is essential for sustainable growth.”
The return to Abuja means President Tinubu will re-engage directly with the administration’s agenda, which includes tackling economic reforms, security issues, and infrastructural development. Abuja residents and government officials are preparing for his arrival as he resumes leadership during a pivotal period for Nigeria’s domestic and foreign policy.
In summary, President Tinubu’s early return from his working vacation highlights his hands-on leadership approach amid critical national and international priorities. Moving forward, close attention will be on his administration’s responses to ongoing challenges and the progress of initiatives discussed during his recent diplomatic tours. The coming weeks are expected to be significant as Nigeria navigates its political and economic landscape with renewed presidential oversight.
