Tinubu heads to Europe today, setting off from Abuja to begin a 10-working-day “working vacation” split between France and the United Kingdom. His annual leave blends rest with official duties and follows weeks of preparation in the presidency. The trip marks another episode in his active foreign engagement strategy.
The presidency described the leave as both reflective and constructive. While abroad, Tinubu plans to monitor ongoing national priorities and consult with key international stakeholders. The “working” aspect suggests he will remain engaged with governance matters, even while travelling.
In addition, the trip spans two major European capitals. In France, he will likely focus on development finance and strategic partnerships. In the UK, he may explore trade, security, and energy collaborations. Nigeria seeks to reinforce ties with long-standing partners through high-level dialogue.
Tinubu has travelled extensively since taking office in May 2023. In his first 17 months, he clocked 124 days outside Nigeria, visiting 16 countries across 29 trips. Critics argue that, despite global visibility, his travels must produce tangible progress on domestic challenges.
Moreover, in 2025, he already visited Tanzania, Italy, Brazil, Ghana, UAE, and Japan. He used those trips to secure deals on energy, infrastructure, aviation, and investment. Still, many Nigerians expect those engagements to yield relief from soaring inflation and insecurity.
Constitutional experts noted the presidency did not mention a formal handover to the Vice President. Nigerian law requires a notification to the National Assembly when the president takes leave so the Vice President can act in his stead. The omission raised questions about procedural compliance.
Meanwhile, observers warn that frequent foreign trips can fuel public skepticism if citizens don’t see recognizable benefits. Key priorities like food prices, power supply, and security remain top concerns at home. Tinubu’s office insists each visit directly aligns with domestic reforms and economic recoveries.
As Tinubu heads to Europe, the nation watches closely for outcomes. His “working vacation” offers a diplomatic opportunity and a chance to reset his governing narrative. But the central test remains how these trips translate into meaningful improvements for Nigerians.
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