President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his planned Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah, where he will offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, national unity, stability and continued development.
The President arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following his departure from Abuja earlier in the day. Upon arrival, Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, received him.
The visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion as he undertakes the religious rites associated with Umrah, also known as the lesser Hajj.
Tinubu to Pray for Nigeria’s Peace and Stability
According to the Presidency, the President’s visit is intended to allow him to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
During the pilgrimage, Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites in Makkah while praying for peace, unity, stability and sustained national progress.
The trip follows an announcement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed the planned journey in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the Presidency indicated that Tinubu would return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise. However, it did not announce a specific date for his return.
President Departs Abuja After Commissioning Military Helicopters
Before leaving Nigeria, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters intended to strengthen the military’s operational capacity.
The aircraft comprise two Airbus H125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters. The acquisition is expected to support military operations against terrorism and other security threats.
Tinubu departed Abuja at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, following a brief ceremony attended by state governors and senior government officials.
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, had also presented the President with a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, known as a bisht, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince ahead of the journey.
What to Know About Umrah
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can undertake at different times of the year. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a designated period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah is not restricted to a specific season.
The pilgrimage involves religious rites, including circling the Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. For Muslims, it provides an opportunity for worship, reflection and supplication.
Tinubu’s visit combines these religious observances with prayers for Nigeria and its citizens. He is expected to return to the country next week after completing the pilgrimage.
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