President Bola Tinubu’s return to the country may not happen anytime soon, contrary to the Presidency’s earlier assurance that the Nigerian leader would resume office “in about a fortnight.”

Tinubu on Wednesday, 2nd April, jetted out of the country to Paris, France, on a short working visit.

The Presidency assured that the President will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight.

His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, explained that Tinubu will appraise his administration’s midterm performance and assess key milestones during the visit.

The Presidential Spokesman said the President will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

Onanuga said this period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion,” he said.

“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.”

But in a sharp detour, Thursday, the Presidency, in another statement, explained that Tinubu’s return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

The Federal Government declared 18 and 21 April as public holidays to enable Christians to celebrate this year’s Easter.

Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, said that the public holidays were to mark the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

Onanuga explained that Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe.
He downplayed anxieties and stated that Tinubu’s “absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.

“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.”
The Presidential aide, nonetheless, assured that Tinubu’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” he said.