President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a 10-day vacation, the Presidency confirmed on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The trip, which forms part of his annual leave for the year, will see the Nigerian leader split his time between France and the United Kingdom before returning to the country.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency explained that the leave would last 10 working days.
According to the statement, the vacation is not only a period of rest but also a “working vacation,” suggesting that the President is expected to hold private meetings and engage in consultations while abroad.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today, September 4, to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave.
The vacation will last 10 working days. He will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country,” Onanuga said.
This vacation marks one of the few breaks Tinubu has taken since assuming office in May 2023. It also comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
His administration has been grappling with far-reaching reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and sweeping changes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
Observers note that the timing of the trip is significant, as the President recently concluded a series of high-level meetings with cabinet members on issues ranging from revenue generation to national security.
Analysts believe the vacation offers him an opportunity to recharge while also holding discreet engagements with international partners in Europe.
Reactions have been mixed across Nigeria following the announcement. Supporters argue that the President, like any leader, deserves rest to maintain peak performance.
They emphasize that the nature of the trip as a “working vacation” indicates he will remain engaged in governance while abroad.
However, critics have expressed concern over the optics of the trip, especially given ongoing economic hardship, inflationary pressures, and debates over minimum wage adjustments.
Some argue that the President’s absence could create a perception gap at a time when Nigerians are expecting decisive leadership to address rising food costs and security challenges.
Political analyst Dr. Emmanuel Ojo told The Punch that Tinubu’s European trip is not unusual but could spark debates.
“Presidents around the world take vacations, but in Nigeria, such moves are often politicized.
The important thing is whether governance continues seamlessly in his absence and whether his administration remains responsive to urgent national needs,” Ojo said.
The Presidency has not officially announced whether Vice President Kashim Shettima will act in Tinubu’s stead during the vacation, but constitutional provisions mandate the transfer of responsibilities if the President is expected to be absent for a prolonged period.
During past administrations, the handling of presidential vacations has sometimes stirred political controversy, particularly when questions arose over delegation of duties.
However, officials have stressed that this trip is routine and does not imply any governance vacuum.
Tinubu’s choice of Europe, particularly France and the UK, as his vacation destination is telling.
Both countries are strong allies of Nigeria, with France maintaining deep ties in West Africa and the UK serving as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.
Analysts suggest that the President may seize the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and economic conversations behind the scenes.
Nigeria is currently seeking to attract foreign investment, boost non-oil revenue, and stabilize the naira.
Informal consultations in Europe could help advance these goals, even during what is officially described as “leave.”
Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria later in September, after the 10-day period.
Upon his return, attention will likely shift back to pressing policy issues, including the ongoing debate over revenue allocation, labour union demands, and the federal government’s plan to strengthen the power and energy sectors.
For many Nigerians, the focus will be less on the President’s vacation and more on the outcomes that follow it.
Citizens and stakeholders alike will be watching to see whether the administration can balance rest for the President with continuity in governance and effective service delivery.