Tinubu Lands in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Receives Royal Welcome Ahead of Prayers for Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, to begin a religious pilgrimage during which he is expected to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and economic progress.

The President touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Kingdom’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

His arrival was also confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency, which reported that the Nigerian leader was in the Kingdom to perform Umrah, popularly known as the Lesser Hajj.

Tinubu is expected to proceed to Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, to undertake the religious rites associated with Umrah and offer prayers for Nigeria at a time when the country continues to grapple with security threats, economic pressures and other national challenges.

The pilgrimage marks his second visit to Makkah for Umrah since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
His previous pilgrimage took place in November 2023, following his participation in the Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh, where he also sought divine guidance for his administration.

Announcing the trip on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the pilgrimage would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the nation.

According to Onanuga, the President would seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens while performing the religious obligations associated with Umrah.

The Presidency said the visit was intended to strengthen the President’s spiritual devotion while offering prayers for national stability, unity and continued development.

Unlike the annual Hajj, which takes place during a designated period of the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s operational capacity against terrorism and other security threats.

The aircraft comprised two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.

He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The President subsequently departed Abuja aboard the presidential aircraft at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, presented Tinubu with a bisht, a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.

Six state governors were among the dignitaries who attended the President’s departure ceremony in Abuja.
They included AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto.

Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri.

Other senior government officials attended the ceremony.

Tinubu’s latest pilgrimage comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s continuing efforts to address insecurity, strengthen economic recovery and consolidate diplomatic relationships with strategic international partners.

Saudi Arabia remains an important religious and diplomatic destination for Nigeria, with thousands of Nigerian Muslims travelling to the Kingdom annually for Hajj and Umrah.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.

The Presidency has not announced a specific date for his return.