President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday to commence his first official annual leave of the year.
Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the 10-day working vacation will see the President divide his time between France and the United Kingdom, two nations that have become increasingly important diplomatic partners for Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration.
This represents the first time President Tinubu is taking official leave in 2025, following an exceptionally busy year of domestic reforms and international engagement.
The timing of this vacation comes just days after President Tinubu’s return from an extensive diplomatic mission that took him to Japan and Brazil in August 2025. During that trip, he attended the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, where he secured crucial investment partnerships and strengthened bilateral relations with Japan. The Brazilian leg of his journey focused on exploring South-South cooperation opportunities and expanding Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint in Latin America.
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In defending his frequent international travels, President Tinubu recently stated that “every handshake is for Nigeria’s prosperity,” emphasizing how his diplomatic efforts are directly tied to attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position on the global stage.
Observers said the choice of France and the UK as destinations for his working vacation is particularly strategic, given the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu’s leadership.
Nigeria’s relationship with France has undergone significant transformation during Tinubu’s presidency. Following his state visit to France in November 2024, diplomatic observers have noted Nigeria’s emergence as France’s new key partner in Africa, especially as France recalibrates its African strategy after being ousted from several Sahel countries.
The Franco-Nigerian partnership represents what experts describe as a “partnership of equals,” marking a departure from traditional donor-recipient relationships. This relationship has been particularly beneficial for Nigeria’s quest for foreign investment, with French companies showing increased interest in Nigeria’s reformed economy.
Indeed, the UK remains one of Nigeria’s most important bilateral partners, with historical ties dating back to colonial times but now transformed into a modern partnership focused on trade, investment, and security cooperation. The working vacation in the UK provides an opportunity for President Tinubu to engage with British officials on ongoing collaborations and explore new areas of partnership.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the 10-day period, likely bringing with him new insights and possibly agreements that could further boost Nigeria’s economic recovery and international standing.
Crediblenewsng.com
