Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government. His arrival on NAF 001 at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Int’l Airport marked the conclusion of his 15th foreign trip since assuming the Presidency nine months ago, accumulating 73 days abroad.
Top government officials, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle, welcomed Tinubu. Also present were Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, Director-General of the Department of State Service Yusuf Bichi, and others.
During his three-day sojourn, Tinubu participated in discussions on thematic issues such as climate change and the AU’s role and priorities in the G20. At the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme, he emphasized the need for states to collaborate across borders and sectors to address Africa’s health sector challenges, leveraging collective expertise, knowledge, resources, and the private sector.
In his capacity as the newly-appointed AU Health Champion, Tinubu asserted that effective collaboration with the rest of the world to tackle health challenges is both a strategic choice and a moral imperative. He also affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the African Central Bank in line with the vision of the Abuja Treaty.
On Sunday, Tinubu held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, leading to plans for establishing direct flight operations between Lagos and São Paulo. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as solid mineral exploration, healthcare, and agriculture.
Tinubu’s extensive foreign visits have taken him to various countries, including Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Novo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Berlin, Germany.
His return coincides with protests in Oyo State over the rising cost of living.
