Tinubu Leaves Saudi Arabia After Completing Umrah

Tinubu departs Saudi Arabia after completing Umrah

On Wednesday 4 November 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah for Abuja. The departure took place at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time from the Royal Terminal, following the successful completion of his Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah. The flight was announced by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

A group of dignitaries, consisting of Prince Saud bin Misha’al bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, saw the president off at the airport. Prior to departure, Tinubu met briefly with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace in the airport.

During his stay, Tinubu led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including circumambulation of the Kaaba and the two‑raka’at prayer inside the holy structure. He offered prayers for peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and for divine guidance for the nation.

Background

The Umrah pilgrimage is a lesser form of Hajj that can be performed at any time of the year. Tinubu’s visit to Saudi Arabia was part of a broader diplomatic and religious engagement. The president conveyed his appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their warm welcome and the unique honor granted to him to enter the Kaaba.

The Nigerian delegation also included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and governors from Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states. The trip was framed as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Why it matters

The departure marks the end of a significant religious and diplomatic visit for Nigeria’s head of state. By performing Umrah and praying inside the Kaaba, Tinubu sought to invoke blessings for Nigeria’s unity and development. The visit also reinforced ties with Saudi Arabia, a key partner in the region.

Following his return, Tinubu is scheduled to visit Akwa Ibom State on Friday 6 November for a one‑day working visit. He is set to officially open multiple initiatives launched under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, which includes the Arise Palm Resort. On Saturday 7 November, he will travel to Rivers State to attend an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally.

These visits are part of the president’s ongoing engagement with state governments and the ruling party’s campaign activities, reflecting his focus on infrastructure development and political mobilisation.

What happens next

Tinubu’s itinerary after his return from Saudi Arabia includes a visit to Akwa Ibom State on 6 November, where he will commission projects such as the Arise Palm Resort. The following day, he will head to Rivers State to attend an APC campaign rally. No further dates or decisions were announced beyond these scheduled visits.