President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a 20-day absence from the country, during which he spent the New Year period and skipped the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day while on official and personal engagements abroad.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from Lagos for Europe specifically Paris, France to complete the remainder of his annual leave. While there, he held discussions with leaders including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron.
He then proceeded to Abu Dhabi, arriving on January 11, 2026, to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), held from January 11–15 under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.” The summit focused on climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development.
A key achievement was Nigeria signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the summit’s sidelines. The deal, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and witnessed by Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan aims to boost bilateral trade, investment, technology transfer, and cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewables.
In his address, Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s climate goals, stating the country aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance to accelerate energy transition and expand electricity access. He announced plans for the Climate Investment Platform to raise $500 million for resilient infrastructure and a $2 billion capitalization target for the National Climate Change Fund, plus a joint Nigeria-UAE INVESTOPIA event in Lagos in February.
However, his extended absence drew criticism, particularly for missing Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15 — a national tribute to fallen soldiers from the Civil War, World Wars, peacekeeping missions, and ongoing security operations. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at the wreath-laying ceremony at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the absence as “deeply troubling.” National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated: “It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.”
He added, “Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience.”
Tinubu issued a statement honouring the military: “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.”
To families of the fallen, he said: “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes—widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices.”
“Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” Tinubu continued. “A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.”
