Table of Contents
After an 18-day diplomatic tour across Europe, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially returned to Abuja, Nigeria. His presidential jet touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at exactly 9:50 PM on Monday, drawing a close to what the State House has described as a working visit to France and the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu was warmly welcomed by top 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
Behind the Trip: Diplomacy, Security, and Strategy
The President originally departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, beginning his journey in Paris, where he engaged in high-level talks and strategic meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria’s global partnerships.
While in the French capital, President Tinubu held discussions with Mr. Massad Boulos, the United States Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa. The meeting focused on bolstering regional security and fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent. Both leaders agreed on deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria, the United States, and other key international stakeholders.
Tinubu later proceeded to London, reportedly spending the past two weekends there. During the trip, he remained actively engaged with Nigeria’s internal affairs, maintaining contact with senior government officials and issuing strategic directives, particularly to security chiefs, to address emerging threats in parts of the country.
Steering the Ship from Abroad
Despite being thousands of miles away, President Tinubu stayed firmly in control of national matters. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s remote leadership ensured that critical issues—especially related to national security and economic planning—were effectively managed in his absence.
What’s Next?
With Tinubu now back in the country, all eyes will be on the implementation of the outcomes from his European engagements. Observers anticipate a wave of policy actions and international agreements, particularly those aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s global standing, improving investor confidence, and ensuring national stability.
