President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his religious pilgrimage to Makkah, where he is expected to perform Umrah, also known as the Lesser Hajj.
The President arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday, October 29, 2026, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the country’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
Tinubu departed Abuja earlier in the day following a brief ceremony at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, attended by several state governors and senior government officials.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
While in Makkah, the President is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
Before his departure, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters and inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the Abuja airport.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
