President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today, April 21, 2025, after a work visit to France, the Presidency has confirmed.
The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development via his X handle on Monday, writing:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”
Tinubu departed Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for Paris on what the Presidency described as a short work visit. According to the official statement, the retreat was used to review the progress of ongoing reforms and to plan strategically ahead of Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
However, the trip sparked criticism from opposition figures, who raised concerns about the President’s absence amid worsening insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where several deadly attacks have occurred.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had urged Tinubu to return and take charge, questioning his prolonged stay abroad. His spokesman, Paul Ibe, said in a statement on April 17: “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks.”
Likewise, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also called for Tinubu’s immediate return.
“I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entail that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country,” Obi said.
“In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states.”
“I therefore urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues. That is the new Nigeria the nation seeks,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has defended the President’s trip, insisting that Tinubu has remained in constant communication with key officials and has been issuing directives to security agencies to tackle emerging threats across the country.
