Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu returned to the country Monday night after a 19-day visit to France and the United Kingdom. He was received at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 9:00 p.m. by some top government functionaries.

Tinubu departed Nigeria for France on April 2, 2025 on what the Presidency said was a short working visit. While he was away, the North-Central states of Plateau and Benue came under renewed attacks by killer herdsmen, prompting many Nigerians to question the president’s continued absence in the midst of the wanton killings. In response, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was in touch with realities on ground in Nigeria and was in close touch with his appointed officials back home. He added that the president would return home after the Easter festivities.

Tinubu, during his retreat in Paris, held a high-level meeting with the US Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos.

Boulos had revealed the interest of the United States government to strengthen trade ties with Nigeria, which Tinubu took as a welcome development, especially in view of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

The talks also included joint efforts to advance lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the role of regional stakeholders.

Following his engagements in Paris, President Tinubu proceeded to London over the weekend, where he continued consultations and maintained regular communication with senior government officials in Abuja, according to the Presidency.