President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has completed the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, describing the spiritual exercise as a fulfilling experience and an opportunity to seek divine guidance for himself and Nigeria.
The President performed the religious rites early Friday morning, October 30, 2026, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, where he offered prayers of thanksgiving and sought Allah’s continued protection for the country and its citizens.
Speaking with journalists shortly after completing the pilgrimage, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the experience and said he was grateful for the opportunity to return to the holy city.
The President explained that the spiritual journey carried significant personal meaning, particularly because he had also travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah before the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the exercise reflected his commitment to Nigeria, his responsibilities as President and his belief in the supremacy of Allah’s will.
Tinubu said the pilgrimage was important because of his appreciation for the people, his dedication to public service and his faith in divine guidance.
Tinubu Completes Umrah and Prays for National Peace
During the pilgrimage, Tinubu focused his prayers on Nigeria’s security, national unity, economic development and the need for lasting peace across the country.
The President asked Allah to guide the country’s leaders with wisdom and strengthen the relationship among Nigerians, while expressing hope that citizens would live together in harmony despite their different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
He also prayed for an end to insecurity and other difficulties affecting the country, particularly challenges that continue to affect the safety and well-being of communities across different regions.
In a statement released on Friday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tinubu performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Onanuga explained that the President circled the Holy Ka’abah during the religious exercise, offering prayers of gratitude for Nigeria and its people.
The statement added that Tinubu expressed hope that the country would achieve greater economic prosperity, social development and improved security, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The President also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage and pray for Nigerians.
Presidential Delegation Joins Calls for Nigeria’s Unity
Other members of the presidential delegation also used the visit to express their hopes for Nigeria’s future, particularly regarding national security, political stability and peaceful elections.
Businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu, who accompanied the President, described the opportunity to join Tinubu in the holy city as significant and said the delegation had prayed for lasting peace and unity across the country.
Rabiu also expressed hope that Nigeria would experience a successful electoral process, with peace and stability prevailing throughout the country.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum equally called for lasting peace and tranquillity, stressing the importance of national unity in addressing the challenges confronting Nigeria.
Their comments highlighted the delegation’s shared emphasis on security, peaceful coexistence and the country’s future.
Saudi Arabia Visit Comes as Nigeria Approaches 2027 Elections
Tinubu’s completion of Umrah comes as Nigeria gradually moves towards another general election cycle in 2027, making his remarks about national unity, security and peaceful elections particularly relevant to ongoing political discussions.
Although the President’s visit centred on religious observance and personal devotion, his prayers also addressed several national issues, including insecurity, economic development and the responsibilities of political leadership.
His previous pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election also featured in his conversation with journalists, as he reflected on the significance of returning to Makkah.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu departed Abuja for Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and would return to Nigeria the following week after completing the spiritual exercise.
The President’s visit has therefore combined personal religious devotion with prayers for Nigeria’s future, as he expressed hope for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous country.
