* Accompanied by six governors, President received by Nigerian ambassador, Saudi royal protocol chief
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of performing Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, in Makkah.
The President arrived on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Kingdom’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
Tinubu departed Abuja earlier in the afternoon for the religious exercise, which the Presidency said would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria.
VIDEO: Moment Tinubu Departed Abuja for Saudi Arabia to Perform Umrah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy City.
Credit: X | DOlusegun https://t.co/oYCw4GAf8V
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) October 29, 2026
President to pray for Nigeria
In a statement issued ahead of the trip, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu would seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for the country and its people.
“The visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress,” Onanuga said.
He added that the President would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah while in Makkah.
Six governors, top officials accompany Tinubu
Six state governors accompanied the President’s delegation to the airport before his departure. They are AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT has arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in #Jeddah, #Saudi Arabia, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
#UmrahPilgrimage https://t.co/fPuKOJQzWg
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) October 29, 2026
Other senior officials who attended the departure ceremony included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
Tinubu holds FEC meeting before departure
Before leaving Abuja, Tinubu chaired a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and commissioned operational equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, also presented the President with a bisht, a traditional Arabian cloak, on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince.
President expected back next week
According to the Presidency, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise in Saudi Arabia.
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