Tinubu Lands in Saudi Arabia for Umrah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday evening arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of his pilgrimage to Makkah to perform Umrah, also known as the Lesser Hajj.

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

The arrival followed his departure from Abuja earlier on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m.

According to the Presidency, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, national unity, stability and continued progress.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had announced the trip in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the President would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters intended to strengthen the military’s operational capacity in tackling terrorism and other security threats. He also inaugurated a newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet hangar.

The five helicopters comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B aircraft and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.

Several state governors and senior government officials attended the President’s departure ceremony at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Those present included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi; and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu.

Also present were Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, had earlier presented Tinubu with a bisht, a traditional Arabian ceremonial cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.

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

The visit marks another pilgrimage by Tinubu to Saudi Arabia for Umrah since he assumed office in May 2023.