Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria today, Monday, April 21, 2025, after a 19-day working visit abroad, with political observers and the general public closely watching the implications of his trip for national governance and policy direction.
Tinubu’s Trip: Purpose and Highlights
President Tinubu embarked on his journey on April 2, 2025, with his first stop in Paris, France. According to a statement released by the Presidency at the time, the purpose of the trip was to engage in a mid-term performance review of his administration. The President was expected to meet with key advisors and development partners to assess the progress made so far and to chart the course for the remaining half of his tenure.
While the full itinerary of the President was not made public, sources close to the administration indicated that the visit also involved strategic consultations with international stakeholders on economic cooperation, foreign investments, and regional security partnerships.
Throughout his stay abroad, President Tinubu was said to have remained actively involved in Nigerian affairs. His spokespersons, especially Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, reassured citizens that the President was consistently briefed on critical national issues and was actively making decisions from abroad.
Confirmation of Return
Bayo Onanuga officially confirmed the President’s return in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account early Monday morning. He shared that the President would resume full physical duties at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa immediately.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is back in Nigeria today, April 21. After a productive working visit abroad, he is ready to engage even more rigorously with the challenges facing the country and continue driving forward his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Onanuga posted.
The President’s arrival was met with a warm reception by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others who were present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to welcome him.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Debate
President Tinubu’s trip has sparked a variety of public opinions. While some citizens view it as a proactive move to reassess and strengthen government policies mid-way into his first term, others have criticized the frequency of his foreign travels.
This most recent visit marks President Tinubu’s eighth trip to France since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Critics argue that the high number of visits, particularly to France, raises questions about the nature and necessity of these trips. Some opposition parties have used the opportunity to question the administration’s prioritization of foreign engagements over pressing domestic issues.
However, supporters and political analysts have defended the trips, pointing out that in an increasingly globalized world, active international diplomacy is crucial. They argue that these visits open doors for foreign investments, international partnerships, and greater global cooperation, all of which are vital to the economic recovery and development agenda of the Tinubu administration.
What’s Next?
With President Tinubu now back in the country, attention will shift to key domestic issues awaiting his leadership. These include the implementation of the new national minimum wage proposal, ongoing security concerns across several states, energy sector reforms, and the continued fight against inflation and economic instability.
In his absence, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) continued functioning under the coordination of Vice President Shettima. Several policy announcements and projects were advanced during this period, which are expected to be reviewed and possibly approved by the President upon his return.
Observers are also keen to see whether President Tinubu will make any major cabinet reshuffles or policy adjustments following the outcome of his performance review abroad.
Final Thoughts
As the country enters the second half of President Tinubu’s first term, the stakes are undeniably high. With his return, citizens and stakeholders alike are hopeful that the insights and plans drawn up during his time abroad will translate into tangible progress on the ground.
The next few weeks will likely reveal the administration’s recalibrated strategy and direction—one that ideally reflects the “Renewed Hope” vision that was at the heart of President Tinubu’s campaign and early governance approach.
Stay with us for updates and in-depth analysis of developments from the Aso Rock Villa and beyond.