RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday, October 29, for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform Umrah and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and continued progress.
The planned visit was disclosed in a statement reportedly issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the pilgrimage will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for the country amid its security, economic and developmental challenges.
During his stay in Makkah, the President is expected to undertake the religious rites associated with Umrah, including prayers and other acts of worship at Islam’s holiest sites.
The Presidency said the President would use the occasion to seek divine guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens, particularly in the pursuit of national stability, unity and development.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specified period in the Islamic calendar.
The pilgrimage involves religious observances, including Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, and Sa’i, the movement between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Before departing Nigeria, Tinubu is also expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The planned commissioning forms part of the President’s official engagements before he departs for Saudi Arabia.
However, the statement did not specify the type, number or value of the equipment scheduled for commissioning.
The President’s visit is expected to last several days, with his return to Nigeria scheduled for the following week.
No specific date has been announced for his return.
The Presidency also did not provide details of the officials expected to accompany Tinubu or indicate whether he would undertake additional official engagements during his stay in Saudi Arabia.
The planned pilgrimage comes as the Federal Government continues to address national security concerns and implement economic and development programmes.
Tinubu is expected to resume his scheduled engagements in Nigeria following the completion of the religious exercise.
