President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart the nation’s capital on Thursday, October 29, 2026, bound for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to undertake Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage involving prayers and spiritual devotion. ​The presidential movement was confirmed on Wednesday in an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. ​
According to Onanuga, the visit will afford the Nigerian leader a period of spiritual reflection, devotion, and intercession for the nation. He noted that while in Makkah, President Tinubu will execute the prescribed religious rites of the pilgrimage while seeking divine guidance, peace, unity, stability, and sustained progress for Nigeria and its citizens. ​
Prior to his departure from Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu will preside over an official military ceremony at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. During the event, the Commander-in-Chief will formally commission operational equipment recently acquired to strengthen the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
​Following the airport commissioning ceremony, the President will embark on his flight to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu is expected to complete his spiritual exercise in the holy city and return to Abuja next week.
