RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage, during which he is expected to offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The President’s aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, reportedly departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Tinubu was seen off by several senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors from different states.
Among those present were 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 State.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, was also reportedly present at the departure ceremony.
The visit was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu Departs Abuja for Makkah to Pray for the Nation.”
According to Onanuga, the pilgrimage will provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the nation’s development and well-being.
He explained that Tinubu would undertake the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.
Before leaving Abuja, the President reportedly commissioned equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to support its operational activities.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Wing of the airport, although the Presidency’s earlier announcement did not specify the type or number of equipment involved.
Umrah, commonly described as the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, involves religious rites performed in Makkah and can be undertaken at different periods of the year, unlike the annual Hajj.
Thursday’s journey marks Tinubu’s second reported Umrah pilgrimage since assuming office in May 2023, following an earlier visit to Makkah in November 2023.
The Presidency said the President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise, although no specific return date has been announced.
