‘I enjoyed myself’: Tinubu dismisses health concerns after four-week Europe trip
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week stay in Europe, dismissing concerns about his health and declaring that he is “healthy, sound and ready to go”.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday from Paris, France, where he spent the final part of an extended European vacation.
Asked about his time away, the president said: “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic.”
He also responded to concerns raised over his health during his prolonged stay abroad, insisting there was no cause for alarm.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” Tinubu said.
“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
Tinubu left Abuja on 30 August for what the presidency initially described as a three-week annual vacation, beginning in London before travelling to Paris.
During his stay in France, the president held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business figures, including Vincent Bolloré and the chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Femi Otedola.
He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun state government and DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The presidency later announced that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days, pushing his return beyond the date initially expected.
His extended absence generated political debate, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at the gathering, delivering Nigeria’s national statement and participating in other high-level engagements.
Opposition figures questioned the president’s prolonged absence, while the presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
Tinubu arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6.22pm.
His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on 1 October. The president is expected to participate in activities in Lagos before returning to Abuja.