Tinubu Returns From Private 5-Day Umrah Prayers In Mecca
President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Wednesday night after a five-day Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he prayed for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
His aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 8:53pm.
He had departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after successfully completing his Umrah (Lesser Hajj) in the holy city of Makkah.
President Tinubu’s plane took off at the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:http://13.pm Saudi time.
He was received on arrival by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, along with five state governors, ministers and other senior government officials.
The governors at the airport were Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
Others included the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Sule Dan Agundi.
Before Tinubu left Mecca, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin MISHAAL bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo; and the Hon. Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya; accompanied the Nigerian President to the airport.
Before departure, President Tinubu had a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport.
On arrival on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, the President led members of the Nigerian delegation to perform the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
Last Sunday, President Tinubu was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure, where he and members of his delegation performed the two raka’at prayers.
Inside the Holy Ka’abah, the President offered special supplications to Almighty Allah for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.
President Tinubu also prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would be transformed into a source of strength, national cohesion and shared prosperity.
The President’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving, and prayers for Nigeria, as well as a renewed commitment to the national task of building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the special courtesies and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
President Tinubu left the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and an unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the aspiration of building a better Nigeria for all.
His entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, and Yobe States, among others, according to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
