By Okpere Sharon Omoye
President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Monday night after spending 18 days on a working visit and retreat in France and the United Kingdom. The presidential aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:50 p.m., his visit was aimed at strengthening international partnerships and overseeing national affairs from abroad.
Welcoming him back were key government officials including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
President Tinubu had departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, beginning his trip in Paris, where he met with senior diplomats and stakeholders. A highlight of his engagements was a meeting with Mr. Massad Boulos, a Senior Adviser at the U.S. Department of State, where discussions focused on bolstering regional security, enhancing economic collaboration, and advancing peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
During his time abroad, Tinubu also spent a weekend in London, described by aides as part of a private retreat. Despite his physical absence from the country, the Presidency confirmed that he remained in active contact with key officials and continued to issue directives on pressing national matters, particularly in the area of security.
While the trip offered the President a chance to build international support for Nigeria’s development agenda, it also allowed him to review ongoing reforms at home. His return marks the continuation of his administration’s focus on economic recovery, security improvements, and diplomatic engagement.
As he resumes full duties in Abuja, attention is expected to shift to the implementation of outcomes from his foreign meetings, with a renewed emphasis on regional cooperation and domestic stability.
