Tinubu Begins 10-Day Working Vacation in France, UK

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday departed Abuja for Europe to commence a 10-day working vacation, which forms part of his 2025 annual leave.

The President, who left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, will spend the period between France and the United Kingdom, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga explained that the trip aligns with a long-standing practice of Nigerian leaders combining official assignments with short breaks abroad, often described as “working vacations.”

“The President is expected to hold informal consultations during the trip while also taking some time to rest. In his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima will oversee state affairs in line with constitutional provisions,” the statement read.

The departure was witnessed by top government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Meanwhile, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticised the Presidency’s description of the trip as a “working vacation.” Writing on his X handle, Sani quipped: “I understand the word ‘working.’ I understand the word ‘vacation.’ The sentence ‘working vacation’ is something else.”

Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, particularly those labelled as working vacations, have drawn mixed reactions from citizens on social media.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the President has undertaken several international travels for diplomatic and economic engagements. Checks indicate that he has embarked on no fewer than five working vacations abroad within the past two years.