•Tinubu jets out
President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels, particularly those identified as ‘working vacations,’ have sparked reactions on social media.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu has undertaken numerous international trips for official diplomatic and economic purposes, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that since his assumption, Tinubu has embarked on ‘working vacation’ trips abroad for at least five times in two years.
Here is a timeline of Tinubu’s ‘working vacations’:
June 2023: Private Rest in London, UK
After attending the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris, France (June 22–23, 2023), Tinubu travelled to London for a short private rest before returning to Nigeria for Sallah festivities. This is considered a vacation component following an official trip.
October 2023: Working Vacation in the UK and France
Tinubu departed Abuja on October 2, 2023, for a two-week “working vacation” in the United Kingdom, described as part of his annual leave to reflect on economic reforms. On October 11, he traveled from the UK to Paris, France, for an “important engagement,” which some sources suggest included personal time or medical visits.
January–February 2024: Private Visit to France
Tinubu traveled to France on January 24, 2024, for a private visit, returning on February 7, 2024. The presidency did not disclose specific details, but critics, including Atiku Abubakar, labeled it a vacation, questioning its timing amid domestic challenges. Some sources suggest this trip may have included medical consultations, a pattern noted from Tinubu’s pre-presidency visits to France.
April 2024: Private Time in France
After official visits to the Netherlands (April 23–27, 2024) and Saudi Arabia (April 28–29, 2024) for the World Economic Forum, Tinubu spent additional time in Europe, specifically France, before returning to Nigeria on May 8, 2024. This extension is considered personal time, though not officially labeled a vacation.
Duration: Approximately 5–7 days (exact dates unclear).
August–September 2024: Personal Time in the UK
After attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing (August 29–September 6, 2024), Tinubu spent seven days in the UK before returning to Nigeria on September 14, 2024. This was described as personal time, potentially part of his annual leave.
October 2024: Working Vacation in the UK and France
Tinubu departed on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working vacation in the UK, again to reflect on reforms. He extended this trip to Paris, France, returning to Nigeria on October 19, 2024. The presidency emphasised it as part of his annual leave, though critics argued it was poorly timed given domestic issues.
September 2025: Working Vacation in France and the UK
Today, Thursday, September 4, 2025, Tinubu embarked on a 10-day “working vacation” to France and the UK, described as part of his annual leave. The presidency noted he would divide his time between the two countries, with no specific details on official engagements, suggesting a mix of rest and strategic reflection.
