Ahead of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's upcoming inauguration as Nigeria's President, a stream of foreign guests and dignitaries have begun arriving in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja for the ceremony.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed that they received a memo from the government regarding the expected arrival of presidents and VIPs at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The influx of visitors through the airport's international and presidential wings notably increased on Saturday.
Notably, Canada's delegation, led by Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, is set to arrive in Abuja on Saturday night.
The United Kingdom delegation, headed by the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the inauguration, is anticipated to arrive on Sunday.
The United States delegation includes various officials such as Chargé d'Affaires David Greene, California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and General Michael Langley, the Commander of US Africa Command.
The Head of Corporate Affairs for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport confirmed the high influx of VIPs into Abuja and the increased activity at the airport.
In a related development, the Indian government has dispatched its Defence Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh, as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to attend the inauguration.
In terms of security, a heavy presence of Nigeria Police, Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Road Safety Corps personnel has been deployed at Eagle Square, the inauguration venue.
Major roads leading to the Central Area have been partially cordoned off, and helicopters have been conducting aerial surveillance. The surroundings of the federal secretariat are quiet, as civil servants were instructed to stay off work from Friday until Tuesday.
Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented at five-star hotels, such as Fraser Suites Hotel and Transcorp Hilton, with armed police officers and other security personnel stationed at entrances. The hotels are fully booked and accommodating foreign dignitaries and top Nigerian government officials.
The police have deployed personnel to safeguard Aso Rock Presidential Villa and ensure security around Eagle Square. Special Forces units, helicopters, drones, water cannons, and armoured personnel carriers have been deployed for surveillance and crowd control.
Amidst the preparations, bands of merrymakers have arrived in Abuja, entertaining people with music and dance. Notably, President Muhammadu Buhari and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta urged President-elect Tinubu to focus on uniting Nigerians and working towards the country's development, regardless of ethnic or political differences.
However, it has been revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will not be attending the inauguration.
Atiku's Media Adviser cited his engagement in the commencement ceremony of the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa State.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, declined the invitation to attend the inauguration, considering the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
As the inauguration approaches, Abuja remains abuzz with arrivals and tightened security, setting the stage for the historic transition of power in Nigeria.
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