President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, launching a religious visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the lesser Hajj pilgrimage. ​
Upon touchdown, the Nigerian leader was formally received by a delegation led by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, alongside the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir. ​
President Tinubu had departed Abuja earlier on Thursday from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 2:20 p.m. Prior to taking off, the President inaugurated five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters and a new Presidential Air Fleet Hangar, underscoring ongoing federal efforts to strengthen national security and combat terrorism. ​
The presidential trip was officially announced in a statement released on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to Onanuga, the visit provides the Nigerian leader an avenue for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for the nation’s peace, unity, and progress. ​
Following his arrival at the entry port of Jeddah, the President moves directly to the Holy City of Makkah to perform the necessary religious rites. He is scheduled to conclude the spiritual exercise and return to Abuja early next week.
