Tinubu Embarks on Another 10-Day Vacation Amid Domestic Challenges
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed the nation’s capital today for a 10-day “working vacation” in Europe, splitting his time between France and the United Kingdom, as part of his 2025 annual leave.
The announcement, made by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, marks yet another instance of the Nigerian leader combining rest with strategic reflection abroad. The presidency described the trip as routine, emphasizing that Vice President Kashim Shettima will oversee day-to-day governance to ensure continuity. However, the statement notably omitted mention of a formal letter to the National Assembly, as required by Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution, to officially designate Shettima as acting president during Tinubu’s absence.
This vacation follows a pattern of frequent foreign trips by Tinubu, who has spent significant time abroad since assuming office in May 2023. In his first 17 months, Tinubu undertook 29 trips across 16 countries, logging 124 days abroad, according to reports. His most recent high-profile engagements included a 12-day diplomatic mission to Japan and Brazil in August 2025, with stopovers in Dubai and Los Angeles. The current trip, described as a blend of rest and work, may include diplomatic meetings, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Critics, including financial advisor Kalu Aja, have questioned the optics of frequent overseas vacations, urging Tinubu to holiday within Nigeria to set an example amid economic hardships like inflation and a weakening currency.
Supporters of the president argue that such trips strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties, particularly with key partners like France and the UK. The presidency has suggested that past “working vacations” involved quiet discussions on economic and security issues, potentially advancing Nigeria’s interests. For instance, Tinubu’s October 2024 retreat in the UK and France was framed as a period to reflect on economic reforms, the same narrative echoed for this trip. Nigeria’s longstanding ties with the UK and France, despite the latter’s waning influence in West Africa, underscore the strategic importance of these destinations.
However, public sentiment remains divided, with some Nigerians questioning the cost of these trips against the backdrop of domestic challenges like insecurity and fiscal strain.The timing of Tinubu’s vacation has sparked debate, especially as Nigeria grapples with inflation, infrastructure deficits, and mounting security concerns. Critics, including opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, have previously labeled similar trips as poorly timed, arguing they reflect a disconnect from pressing domestic issues.
Meanwhile, the presidency maintains that the 10-day absence will not disrupt governance, with Shettima poised to manage state affairs. As Tinubu embarks on this latest journey, the nation watches closely, balancing expectations of diplomatic gains against calls for greater focus on local challenges. The president is expected to return to Abuja after the 10 working days, though no specific return date was provided.
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