Six days have passed since the conclusion of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Saudi Arabia, and there is growing curiosity over the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, who has not yet returned to Nigeria. President Tinubu’s absence has become a topic of discussion among Nigerians, as he was last seen attending the WEF from April 28 to 29, 2024, in Riyadh, following an official visit to the Netherlands.
On April 23, President Tinubu left on this two-leg international trip, first accepting an invitation from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands. President Tinubu attended the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum when he was in the country. To explore creative solutions for sustainable farming, this event brought together executives from significant firms and organizations from both nations to talk about potential areas for collaboration, especially in the fields of agricultural and water management.
President Tinubu traveled to Riyadh for the special WEF summit centered on global cooperation, growth, and energy development after his engagements in the Netherlands. The President attempted to secure business agreements and had significant conversations throughout the event, particularly with notable individuals like Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft.
However, while the other government officials who accompanied him have since returned to Nigeria, President Tinubu has yet to make an appearance back home. Reports from unconfirmed sources suggest that he may be in London. A senior official from the presidency confirmed that President Tinubu traveled to the United Kingdom for undisclosed reasons after the WEF meeting but declined to provide specific details about the nature of his visit there.
This official, who requested anonymity, mentioned that it is typical for the President to take some time off following intensive meetings and engagements. “The President proceeded to the UK. That’s all I can tell you,” the official stated, adding that President Tinubu has continued to conduct government business remotely. The Vice President is also actively involved on the ground, ensuring that the administration’s operations run smoothly during Tinubu’s absence.
There is not a set date yet for President Tinubu to return to Nigeria. The situation in question is comparable to one that occurred the year before when the President visited France after attending the UN General Assembly in New York.
