President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the lesser Hajj, as part of a religious visit expected to include prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued development.
Tinubu arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, ahead of his planned visit to the holy city of Makkah.
The President was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, alongside other officials.
His arrival followed his departure from Abuja earlier on Thursday, marking the beginning of his religious journey to the Kingdom.
The Presidency had earlier announced the visit in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the trip would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country.
Onanuga explained that the President would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
The Presidency also disclosed that Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
Tinubu’s Departure from Abuja
Before leaving the country, the President departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday.
He was seen off by several governors, senior government officials and other dignitaries who gathered at the airport ahead of his departure.
Among those present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto states.
Before boarding his aircraft, Tinubu also commissioned newly acquired Nigerian Air Force equipment, including five helicopters comprising two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.
He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.
The commissioning formed part of activities carried out before the President commenced his religious journey.
Saudi Ambassador Presents Traditional Gift to Tinubu
Ahead of his departure, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, presented Tinubu with a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak known as a bisht.
The gift was presented on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince, reflecting the diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Understanding the Significance of Umrah
Umrah, commonly referred to as the lesser Hajj, is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year.
Unlike the annual Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar and is obligatory for Muslims who meet certain conditions, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship.
The pilgrimage involves performing specific religious rites, including entering a state of Ihram, circumambulating the Kaaba seven times and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
For millions of Muslims across the world, the spiritual exercise represents an opportunity to seek forgiveness, demonstrate devotion and offer prayers for personal and collective well-being.
Tinubu’s latest visit comes as Nigeria continues to face several challenges, including economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment and other pressing national concerns.
The President’s announced intention to pray for the country has therefore placed national peace, unity and stability at the centre of the visit.
His return to Nigeria is expected next week following the completion of the religious exercise.