*** President remains in touch with Abuja, directs affairs of government from abroad

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.

Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for London to begin a three-week annual leave, with the Presidency initially saying he would return to Nigeria after the vacation to resume his official engagements and join preparations for the January 2027 elections.

However, the President subsequently extended his stay in Europe, where he has combined his vacation with official engagements and consultations on issues of national interest.

After spending about a week in London, Tinubu proceeded to Paris, France, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and met businessman Vincent Bolloré.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued on Monday, the President has remained in contact with officials in Abuja and continued to direct the affairs of government throughout his stay abroad.

One of the major issues on which the President acted while away was the death of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, following operations against suspected illegal mining.

Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation after the deaths were reported on September 17, directing that the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention and deaths be established.

The Federal Government has since constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident, while officers connected with the detention facility have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

The incident sparked protests in Minna and renewed concerns over detention conditions and the enforcement of the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining. The precise circumstances and cause of the deaths remain subject to investigation.

While the President has remained in Europe, Vice President Kashim Shettima has continued to undertake major official responsibilities on his behalf.

Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday for New York to represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The UN General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements on development, climate action, international cooperation and reform of the global financial architecture.

With Shettima now in New York, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other senior officials are expected to continue representing the President at official functions as required.

The President’s decision to remain away from Nigeria during the UNGA has also generated political commentary, particularly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation criticised his absence from the annual gathering of world leaders.

The Presidency has dismissed the criticism, describing the claims surrounding the President’s non-attendance as irresponsible.

Meanwhile, political consultations have continued at home ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading engagements involving senior political figures and consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The consultations come against the backdrop of preparations within the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections and growing political activities across the country.

Despite his absence from Abuja, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains fully engaged with developments in the country and continues to issue directives on matters of governance.

The latest extension of his stay in Europe means that the President will return to Nigeria a few days later than originally expected.

No specific date for his arrival was given, but the Presidency said he is expected back at the weekend.