Tinubu Travels to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, to Pray for Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel from Abuja to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage, and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and continued progress.

The planned trip was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28.

According to the Presidency, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country and its citizens.

During his stay in Makkah, the President is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria.

Tinubu to Commission Nigerian Air Force Equipment Before Departure

Before leaving Abuja for Saudi Arabia, Tinubu is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen its operational capabilities.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

However, the Presidency has not disclosed the specific types or quantities of equipment to be commissioned or provided further details about their intended operational use.

The equipment commissioning is expected to take place before the President begins his religious journey.

When Will Tinubu Return to Nigeria?

According to the Presidency’s announcement, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.

No specific return date or additional official engagements in Saudi Arabia were announced in the statement.

The visit is being presented by the Presidency as a spiritual exercise centred on worship and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the holiest cities in Islam. Often referred to as the lesser pilgrimage, it allows Muslims to undertake specific acts of worship at different times of the year.

The religious rites include entering a state of ritual consecration known as Ihram, performing Tawaf by circumambulating the Kaaba, and completing Sa’i by walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can generally be performed throughout the year.

For Muslims, the pilgrimage offers an opportunity for worship, repentance, reflection and supplication.

Tinubu’s stated purpose for the visit is to perform the religious rites and pray for Nigeria and its people.

Nigeria’s Peace and Stability Remain Central to the Visit

The Presidency’s announcement places prayers for national peace, unity, stability and progress at the centre of the President’s planned pilgrimage.

Nigeria continues to face economic, security and social challenges, making these issues important concerns for the country and its citizens.

However, the Presidency’s statement did not announce any new government policies or specific measures linked to the pilgrimage.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week following the completion of the spiritual exercise.

Source: Presidency announcement issued on October 28, 2026.

Reporting note: This article is based on the Presidency’s announcement and published media reports. The planned departure and return arrangements reflect the information available at the time of reporting.