Tinubu Extends European Vacation, Returns Weekend as Shettima Leads UNGA

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe and is now expected to return to Nigeria by the weekend, according to a statement from the Presidency. The extension comes after the three-week annual leave he began on August 30, 2026, initially scheduled to conclude earlier this week. Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is set to deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday, September 24. Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated that the arrangement is standard and does not diminish Nigeria's diplomatic standing. During his time abroad, Tinubu has continued to perform official duties. He directed an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Niger State following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The President has also held meetings in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré to discuss expanding investments in Nigeria's creative and digital economy. The Presidency confirmed that Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30, first traveling to London before moving to Paris on September 13.