President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims in the holy city of Makkah.
The President landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi head of royal protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, according to a report by Vanguard.
Tinubu is expected to travel to Makkah to perform the religious exercise and return to Nigeria next week after completing his pilgrimage.
The visit marks the second time the Nigerian leader has travelled to Makkah to perform Umrah since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
His first visit took place in November 2023, shortly after he attended the Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh. During that trip, the President also sought divine guidance for his administration and Nigeria’s leadership.
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage that can be performed at various times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specified period in the Islamic calendar. The pilgrimage involves a series of religious rites performed in Makkah.
The President’s latest journey comes amid continuing domestic policy challenges and diplomatic engagements with foreign partners. His administration has pursued economic reforms aimed at stabilising public finances, attracting investment and improving Nigeria’s long-term economic prospects, while Nigerians continue to contend with the cost of living and other socioeconomic pressures.
Tinubu’s foreign engagements since taking office have included visits to several countries for bilateral meetings, multilateral summits and diplomatic consultations. His administration has maintained that international engagements are important for strengthening partnerships, promoting investment and advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad.
The Presidency had earlier indicated that Tinubu would undertake the Umrah pilgrimage before returning to Nigeria the following week. His return is expected to be followed by the resumption of official duties in the country.
