President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation, declaring that he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go” and dismissing speculation surrounding his health.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his extended European stay.
Asked how he felt about the vacation, the President responded positively, saying, “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic.” When journalists asked him about concerns and rumours regarding his health during his prolonged stay abroad, Tinubu responded emphatically: “Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong.”
He added: “Rumour will always be emanating from politics. But the fact remains, I’m here healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
The President’s comments came against the backdrop of renewed public discussion about his health after his stay in Europe was extended beyond the initial schedule. The Presidency had earlier maintained that Tinubu was well and continued to perform his responsibilities while outside the country.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for London, where he initially began what was announced as a three-week annual working vacation. After spending approximately one week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, France. The Presidency subsequently announced that his stay would be extended by several days before his eventual return to Nigeria on September 29.
Despite being away from Nigeria, Tinubu continued to participate in several official and diplomatic engagements. In Paris, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met with businessman Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. According to the Presidency, discussions with Bolloré included expanding investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, including film, entertainment and fibre-optic infrastructure.
Tinubu also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding involving the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside. The project has been presented as capable of attracting more than $7 billion in investment.
His extended absence, however, generated political debate, particularly after he did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering, while the Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs from abroad.
Tinubu eventually returned to Nigeria through Lagos, with his aircraft landing at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday. The Presidency said he chose Lagos as his first destination partly to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Following his return, the President is expected to undertake official engagements in Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The Presidency has also said he will hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates before eventually returning to Abuja.
For Tinubu, however, his first message after returning home was direct: despite the rumours and political speculation surrounding his extended stay abroad, he says he is back in Nigeria “healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
0 Comments