President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a two-week working visit to Europe, during which he held key meetings aimed at strengthening international partnerships for security and economic growth in Africa.
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at exactly 9:50 p.m. on Monday. He was warmly received by top government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among other senior aides.
The visit, which began on April 2, saw the President travel first to Paris, France, before proceeding to London, United Kingdom, for further engagements.
In Paris, President Tinubu met with Mr. Massad Boulos, a Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State. Their discussion focused on building stronger ties between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of regional security and sustainable economic development across the African continent.
The meeting is seen as part of Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to secure more international support in addressing Nigeria’s key challenges, including insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment. According to sources, the President emphasized the importance of global cooperation in tackling terrorism and improving trade and investment in Africa.
The Nigerian government has not yet released full details of the outcomes of the Paris talks, but officials close to the Presidency say the engagements were productive and in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
After his engagements in France, President Tinubu continued his working visit in London, where he remained in close contact with his cabinet and senior government officials back home. Though his activities in the UK were kept low-key, sources say the President used the time to consult with advisors and strategize on ongoing national issues.
While in London, Tinubu also maintained communication with ministers and heads of agencies, keeping track of domestic developments. Officials say the President was in constant touch with Abuja and gave directives on critical matters.
This approach reflects Tinubu’s leadership style of hands-on governance, even while abroad. Government officials insist that the President’s absence did not disrupt any aspect of national administration.
Tinubu’s visit comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to rebuild international confidence and attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has made it clear that foreign policy and economic diplomacy are key areas of focus for his administration. His recent trip follows earlier visits to India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he held discussions with global leaders and investors.
Speaking after the President’s return, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the trip was “more than symbolic,” stressing those high-level engagement like these help to position Nigeria better on the world stage.
“We are seeing a renewed effort to open doors, attract partnerships, and promote Nigeria’s interests internationally. This is what the President’s trip was about,” the official said.
President Tinubu’s arrival in Abuja was met with excitement by members of his administration. Senator George Akume, who was among those at the airport, praised the President’s dedication and tireless effort to reposition Nigeria’s economy and improve foreign relations.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has remained a strong ally of the President, also welcomed him back, describing the working visit as timely and necessary for Nigeria’s international image.
Other officials present at the airport included presidential aides, senior civil servants, and top security personnel. Though there was no official ceremony, the atmosphere was one of respect and enthusiasm.
Reactions from Nigerians have been mixed. While supporters of the President have applauded the foreign visit, critics have raised concerns about the lack of detailed briefings on the outcomes of such trips.
Some Nigerians have also expressed the hope that these international meetings will lead to concrete benefits, such as foreign investments, improved infrastructure, and job opportunities.
With his return to Nigeria, President Tinubu is expected to resume domestic duties immediately. Several important national issues await his attention, including the ongoing economic reforms, implementation of new policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and pressing matters in the security sector.
The National Executive Council (NEC) is also expected to meet in the coming days, where decisions on fuel subsidy implementation, currency stability, and youth empowerment programs are likely to be on the agenda.
President Tinubu is also expected to address the nation soon, providing updates on his foreign trip and outlining the next steps for his administration.
Since taking office, President Tinubu has shown commitment to repositioning Nigeria through active foreign diplomacy. He has engaged with leaders of major economies, multilateral institutions, and private investors. His administration has launched reforms in the oil sector, tax policies, and business environment, aimed at making Nigeria more attractive for investment.
