President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, cutting short his scheduled vacation, which was initially set to end on September 19. His presidential jet, Air Force 001, touched down at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:50 pm, marking the conclusion of his working vacation in France and the United Kingdom.
The early return is attributed to two key reasons. First, the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, declared on March 18 amid escalating political tensions and security concerns, is set to expire on Thursday, September 18. As President, Tinubu is constitutionally required to oversee the formal lifting of the emergency, including signing necessary decrees and making national statements, tasks that must be executed from within Nigeria.
Second, the President is preparing for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA‑80) in New York. The high-level debate begins on September 23, necessitating that Tinubu commence travel preparations days in advance. His early return ensures that he fulfills both domestic constitutional duties and international engagements without disruption.
Political analysts note that the President’s timely return underscores his commitment to balancing domestic governance responsibilities with Nigeria’s global diplomatic obligations.
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