VIDEO: Tinubu Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Umrah Pilgrimage

President Bola Tinubu arrives in Jeddah ahead of the lesser pilgrimage in Makkah, with prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and national progress

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, ahead of his planned Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, with the Nigerian leader expected to offer prayers for the country’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

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The President was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Kingdom’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Tinubu’s arrival followed his departure from Abuja earlier in the day for the religious exercise, which the Presidency said would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion.

In a statement dated October 28, 2026, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu would perform the rites associated with Umrah while seeking divine guidance for Nigeria and its citizens.

“The visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency added that the President would seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for the country during his stay in the holy city.

Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a designated period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at different times of the year.

The pilgrimage includes rites such as circumambulating the Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Before his departure, Tinubu was scheduled to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Six state governors also attended the departure ceremony, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

The Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, also presented Tinubu with a traditional Arabian cloak, known as a bisht, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince before the President’s departure.

The visit comes as Nigerians continue to look to the Federal Government for progress on security, economic conditions and national development.

The Presidency has presented the pilgrimage as a personal religious exercise centred on prayer and reflection, rather than announcing any new policy initiative linked to the trip.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also raised questions about the President’s itinerary, urging the Presidency to provide regular, verifiable photographs and videos of Tinubu performing the pilgrimage rites.

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The Presidency has said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise, although it has not announced a specific return date.