President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The Airbus A330-200 carrying the President took off at 2:20 pm local time on Thursday.
Also read: Tinubu’s Saudi trip Is for Umrah, not medical treatment, aide insists
Tinubu was seen off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by several state governors and senior government officials ahead of the journey.
Those present included Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Also at the airport were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, alongside other officials.
The President’s visit to Makkah is intended to provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday titled President Tinubu Departs Abuja for Makkah to Pray for the Nation.
According to the statement, Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the statement said.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that can be performed at different times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.
Before leaving Abuja, Tinubu commissioned equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The commissioning took place shortly before his departure for Saudi Arabia.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
Thursday’s journey marks the second time Tinubu has travelled to Makkah to perform Umrah since becoming President in May 2023.
He previously visited the holy city in November 2023, shortly after attending the Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh, where he also prayed for divine guidance in leading Nigeria.
The latest trip comes amid Tinubu’s continuing international engagements, which have taken him to countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East for bilateral meetings, multilateral events and diplomatic assignments.
Also read: Tinubu’s Saudi trip Is for Umrah, not medical treatment, aide insists
His current visit to Saudi Arabia is centred on religious observance, with prayers for Nigeria forming a key part of the stated purpose of the trip.
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Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
