President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left Abuja on Thursday, 29 October 2026, for Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is travelling to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, and to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The presidential aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 2:20 pm local time. A formal departure ceremony was held at the Presidential Wing of the airport. Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe were among the officials who saw the President off.
Before boarding, President Tinubu commissioned equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations. The commissioning took place at the same Presidential Wing of the airport.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said the visit would give the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the nation. “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 read.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise. Thursday’s journey marks the second time President Tinubu has performed Umrah since assuming office. He previously visited the holy city in November 2023.
By John James
- Nigerian Permanent Resident Aged 74 Indicted for Voting in 2024 US Election
- INEC Approves Inclusions and Removals on 2027 Candidate Lists After Complaint Review
- Emuobosan Emmanuella Hall Indicted for Failing to Report to Prison After Romance Scam Conviction
- ICE Boston Arrests Ugandan National Jimmy Kimera in Hudson During Targeted Operations
- Nigeria Police Declare 48 Year Old Abuja Construction Supervisor Wanted for Fraud and Money Laundering
