President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, October 4th, 2026, night returned to Abuja after completing a week-long Umrah pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 8:53 p.m., according to an update by the State House media office, according to Blueprint newspapers.

Tinubu was received on arrival by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Oltunji Disu and other senior government officials.

His return followed the completion of the lesser Hajj in Makkah, where he and members of the Nigerian delegation performed the religious rites of Umrah and were granted the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Ka’abah to pray.

The President had departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday. 

Before leaving the country, he held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

The Deputy Governor, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied him to the airport.

*Tinubu’s rare access to Holy Ka’abah

Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, 2026 for the spiritual exercise. 

He performed the Umrah rites early Friday, October 30 2026, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah.

The exercise included the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah, followed by other prescribed rites of the pilgrimage.

However, a major highlight of the visit was his entry into the interior of the Ka’abah on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after the Saudi authorities granted him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the sacred structure.

The State House said the privilege was extended by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah, where Tinubu and members of the delegation performed two raka’at prayers.

The President also kissed the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, during the visit.

Reflecting on the experience in a statement issued on November 2, 2026, Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience.

He expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.

“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” the President said.

He added: “It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history.”

*Prays for Nigeria, seeks wisdom to govern

According to the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu used the opportunity to offer special supplications for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.

The President also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength for the country’s leaders, while asking for continued blessings upon Nigerians.

Speaking to journalists shortly after performing the Umrah rites on October 30, 2026, Tinubu said the exercise was significant because of his commitment to the country and the welfare of its people.

“I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty,” he said.

He also expressed hope that Nigeria would make further progress in economic prosperity and social development, while overcoming insecurity and other challenges.

In his November 2 reflection on the pilgrimage, the President said he specifically asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” Tinubu said.

He further drew from Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which speaks about Allah’s sovereignty and authority to give and take power.

According to him, the message reinforces the need for leaders to exercise authority responsibly, with humility and in the service of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,’” he said.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as Project Nigeria, saying the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue national development and prosperity.

“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.

He also stressed the need to invest in the future of young Nigerians, noting that decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations remember them.

“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he added.

*Governors, ministers, business leaders accompanied President

The President’s delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from several states.

The governors named in the State House account included those of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, Yobe and Kwara states.

Business leaders, including Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu, were also among those who accompanied the President during the visit. 

His son, Yinka Tinubu, was also reported to have been part of the delegation.

The State House said members of the delegation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter and pray inside the Ka’abah.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the President to acknowledge Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, thanking King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and the delegation.

Tinubu’s return brings to an end the pilgrimage, which the Presidency said provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for the country. (Blueprint)