President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after successfully performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.
The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi time, marking the end of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.
Before his departure, the President held a brief meeting with Prince Saud at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.
Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday and subsequently led members of his delegation in performing the Umrah rites in the holy city of Makkah, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
In a rare religious privilege granted last Sunday, the Nigerian leader and members of his delegation were allowed to enter the sacred structure, where they performed two raka’at prayers.
During the prayers, Tinubu sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace, improved security, national unity and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
He also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue leading the country, while asking for continued blessings upon Nigeria, its leadership and citizens.
The President expressed hope that Nigeria’s diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.
The visit, according to the Presidency, provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and prayers for the country, while reinforcing the administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.
He particularly acknowledged the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah to offer prayers.
Members of the President’s entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other government officials.
The President’s departure followed a series of engagements and religious activities during his stay in the Kingdom.
He returned to Nigeria with renewed faith and gratitude, while reaffirming his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s ambition of building a better Nigeria for all.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the President’s departure in a statement on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.