President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he also held a meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region before departing Jeddah.
Tinubu left the Saudi city on Wednesday aboard a presidential aircraft, which took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13pm local time.
His departure was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement said the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.
Before leaving, Tinubu held a brief meeting with Prince Saud at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
The President had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and joined members of the Nigerian delegation to perform the Umrah rites in Makkah, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
According to the statement, Tinubu was also granted special access to enter the sacred structure on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation observed two raka’at prayers.
During the prayers, the President offered supplications for peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue leading the country.
He also prayed for blessings upon Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that the country’s diversity would promote national cohesion and shared prosperity.
The statement quoted Tinubu as expressing appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and members of the Nigerian delegation.
He particularly acknowledged the special privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, alongside other government officials.
Tinubu’s visit combined the performance of the Islamic pilgrimage with engagements involving Saudi officials, while his return marks the end of the trip to the Kingdom.
West Trybe reports that the President’s prayers focused on Nigeria’s security, unity and prosperity, issues that remain central to the country’s national priorities.
