After a two-week absence, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has returned to the nation’s capital, Abuja, amid speculation and anticipation.
The President’s arrival at the Aso Rock Villa, his official residence, early Wednesday morning marked the end of his overseas engagements, as reported by PUNCH Online.
Tinubu’s return was eagerly awaited, especially after his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, took to Twitter the previous night to announce the imminent return of the President and his aides from Europe.
The President’s journey began on April 23, 2024, when he departed Abuja for a three-day official visit to The Netherlands, following an invitation from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. During his stay in The Netherlands, Tinubu participated in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, fostering economic ties between the two nations. Moreover, he held private meetings with key figures including the Kingdom’s Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander, and His Royal Majesty.
From The Netherlands, Tinubu traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as previously communicated by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. His agenda in Riyadh included participation in the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development. Here, he reviewed progress made since the inaugural Growth Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2023, alongside leaders from various sectors representing over 90 countries.
Despite the scheduled return following the summit, sources within the Presidency revealed that Tinubu embarked on a private visit to London, preceding his return to Abuja. This visit was shrouded in secrecy, with no official statement issued regarding the purpose or duration of the trip.
This is not the first time Tinubu’s overseas travels have sparked public interest. Notably, between June 24 and 28, 2023, he undertook a similar private trip to London, where he met with his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, and attended the New Global Financial Pact summit in Paris shortly before.
Since assuming office in May of the preceding year, Tinubu’s international engagements have been frequent, totaling 20 trips and spanning 96 days abroad. His destinations have ranged from Paris, France, to Nairobi, Kenya, and from New York, USA, to Doha, Qatar, showcasing a wide array of diplomatic efforts and engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
As President Tinubu resumes his duties in Abuja, his return signifies a renewed focus on domestic affairs following an extensive period of international diplomacy and engagement.
