ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian presidency has reassured the public that President Bola Tinubu is fully engaged in governance despite his ongoing working visit abroad.
A statement issued on Thursday, April 17, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential media aide, clarified that the president’s absence from the country has not hindered his leadership and that his return to Nigeria is expected after the Easter holiday.
President Tinubu departed for France on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for a two-week working visit, during which he is set to assess his administration’s midterm performance in preparation for his second anniversary in office.
However, this trip has sparked concerns, particularly from opposition leaders, who have expressed worries over the rising security challenges back home, including a recent surge in killings and abductions in states like Plateau and Benue.
In response to the growing criticism, Onanuga emphasized that the president’s absence was temporary and aligned with the initially communicated timeframe.
The statement also clarified that while in France, Tinubu traveled to London over the weekend but has continued to communicate with key government officials.
Onanuga added that the president had been overseeing critical national matters, including providing directives to security chiefs to address the emerging threats in the country.
“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country,” the statement reads.
The presidency reiterated that Tinubu’s commitment to his duties remains steadfast, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.
The statement concluded by assuring Nigerians that governance would proceed uninterrupted and that the president’s return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa would follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
