By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, following an extended working vacation in Europe, with plans to spend Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary in Lagos.

According to reports, the President is expected to arrive through Lagos, where he will be received at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport before beginning a series of official engagements.

Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos through Thursday, October 1, when Nigeria will commemorate its 66th year of independence. He is also scheduled to deliver the traditional national broadcast to Nigerians as part of the anniversary activities. The Federal Government has said this year’s celebration will be low-key, with a public lecture scheduled for September 30 and the presidential broadcast on October 1.

The President’s decision to observe the anniversary in Lagos means he will be spending the occasion in the commercial capital for the second consecutive year.

In 2025, Tinubu also marked Independence Day in Lagos. The celebration came amid security concerns and reports surrounding an alleged plan to overthrow the government, after which the Federal Government cancelled the Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1.

The alleged coup plot later became the subject of legal proceedings involving military officers and civilians accused of involvement.

Tinubu’s return will bring to an end a working vacation that began on August 30, when he left Nigeria for London.

The Presidency had initially announced that the President would spend about three weeks on annual leave, beginning in London. After approximately one week in the United Kingdom, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France.

While in Paris, he met French President Emmanuel Macron and held discussions with businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency said the engagements included discussions around investment and Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.

On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his stay in Europe by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. The latest schedule, however, places his return on Tuesday, September 29.

The Presidency has maintained that the President has continued to work and receive updates on developments in Nigeria despite being outside the country.

During the vacation, Tinubu directed an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

Following the directive, the Federal Government announced an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Several NSCDC officers were also suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry. The State House said the President ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

During the President’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements, including Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shettima travelled to the United States on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation and delivered the country’s national statement on behalf of the President.

With both Tinubu and Shettima outside Nigeria at different points, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also represented the President at selected official functions.

The Presidency had earlier said the arrangements were part of the delegation of responsibilities during Tinubu’s working vacation.

Tinubu’s return comes as preparations intensify for the 66th Independence Anniversary and ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Federal Government has outlined several activities for the anniversary, including religious services, a public lecture and the President’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.

After the Independence Day celebrations, Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for a few more days to attend to official engagements before returning to Abuja the following weekend.

His return will also mark the resumption of his physical presence at the seat of government after several weeks abroad, while attention is expected to centre on his Independence Day address and the issues he will raise about the country’s current situation and future direction.