KEY POINTS
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President Bola Tinubu returns to Abuja after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
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He prayed for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development and was granted access to the inner chambers of the Holy Kaaba.
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Tinubu thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where he offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development.
The President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following his departure from Jeddah earlier in the day.
He was received at the airport by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and other senior government officials.
Tinubu’s return followed his visit to Makkah, where he performed the Islamic pilgrimage and engaged in prayers and spiritual reflection.
Tinubu Prays for Nigeria’s Peace and Unity
During his visit to the holy city of Makkah, the President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, national unity, stability and continued progress.
The pilgrimage provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection and thanksgiving, while reinforcing his stated commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
One of the notable moments of the visit was the President’s entry into the inner chambers of the Holy Kaaba, a rare privilege granted during his stay in Saudi Arabia.
The special access was described as an honour reflecting the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu Thanks Saudi Leadership for Hospitality
Before leaving Saudi Arabia, Tinubu expressed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and members of his delegation.
The President also held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Guest Palace within King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The Deputy Governor, alongside Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.
Tinubu departed the Royal Terminal at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time before travelling back to Nigeria.
Governors, NSA Accompanied President
The presidential delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.
Other members of the delegation participated in the official visit, which provided an opportunity to strengthen the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu’s return concludes his latest visit to the Kingdom, which combined religious activities with engagements involving Saudi officials.
