President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a 10-day working vacation in France and the United Kingdom, according to an official statement released on Thursday.
The President, who is taking part of his 2025 annual leave, was seen off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by top 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.
A statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the trip follows the long-standing tradition of Nigerian leaders combining rest with informal consultations abroad.
“The President is expected to spend time in France and the UK, holding informal meetings while also using the opportunity to rest,” the statement noted.
In line with constitutional requirements, Vice President Kashim Shettima will oversee state matters during the President’s absence.
Meanwhile, former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has questioned the phrasing used by the Presidency, calling the term “working vacation” a contradiction.
“I understand the word ‘working.’ I understand the word ‘vacation.’ The sentence ‘working vacation’ is something else,” Sani posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Sani’s comment reflects a wider public sentiment, with some Nigerians on social media expressing concern over the frequency of the President’s foreign trips, many of which have been described as “working vacations.”
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on numerous international trips for diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements.
However, critics have pointed out that this is at least his fifth working vacation abroad within two years, prompting debates about transparency and leadership presence at home.
