# Nigerian presidential travel and diplomatic activity

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-presidential-travel-and-diplomatic-activity
> Updated: 2026-08-31T03:44:25.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

President Bola Tinubu has commenced a three-week annual leave in Europe, intended to provide rest before the 2027 election campaign season. While on leave, presidential aides indicate he will remain engaged with state matters through daily briefings regarding security and economic issues.

This recent departure follows a period of significant international and domestic activity. On the diplomatic front, Tinubu formally reported recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa to the African Union, calling for collective continental action. 

Data regarding presidential movement shows that since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has spent approximately 261 days outside Nigeria across 51 foreign trips. An analysis of GovSpend records reveals that the Nigerian Presidency has spent N37.64 billion on foreign trips, logistics, and foreign exchange between June 2023 and April 2026, with the highest expenditure occurring in 2024.

## Claims

- Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed for Luanda, Angola, to represent President Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. (disputed by 2 sources)
- President Bola Tinubu has departed for a three-week annual leave in Europe. (disputed)
- The AU summit will focus on conflict resolution and regional security challenges. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The leave is intended to allow the President to rest ahead of the 2027 election campaign season. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Nigeria Presidency spends N37.6bn on foreign travel since 2023

The Nigerian Presidency spent N37.64 billion on foreign travel and related expenses between June 2023 and April 2026, according to GovSpend records. President Tinubu has spent 261 days abroad since takingoffice

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-presidency-spends-n376bn-on-foreign-travel-since-2023

### 2026-08-29: Nigeria: President Tinubu begins three-week leave amid AU diplomatic efforts

President Bola Tinubu begins a three-week leave in Europe while Nigeria raises concerns over xenophobia in South Africa at the AU and faces leadership shifts in its football federation.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-president-tinubu-begins-leave-as-vp-attends-au-summit

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Cite as: Nigerian presidential travel and diplomatic activity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigerian-presidential-travel-and-diplomatic-activity