Tinubu’s Saudi Trip: Everything Nigerians Should Know

President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj has attracted political reactions, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar demanding daily evidence of the President’s activities in the Holy Land, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde questioned the need for the trip, arguing that prayers could also be answered in Nigeria.

Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage also known as the Lesser Hajj.

The trip, announced by the Presidency a day before his departure, has raised questions about the President’s itinerary and drawn criticism over the timing of the visit amid the country’s economic challenges.

Here are the important details Nigerians should know about Tinubu’s Saudi trip.

Why Did Tinubu Travel To Saudi Arabia?

President Bola Tinubu travelled to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic religious exercise involving a pilgrimage to the holy city.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 28, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the visit would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

When Did Tinubu Leave Nigeria And Arrive In Saudi Arabia?

Tinubu departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:20 pm on Thursday, October 29.

He arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

On Friday, October 30, Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reported that the Nigerian President had performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Who Saw Tinubu Off At Abuja Airport?

President Tinubu was seen off at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by six state governors and several senior government officials before departing for Saudi Arabia.

They included Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

Other dignitaries present were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri.

What Is Umrah And How Is It Different From Hajj?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, often referred to as the Lesser Hajj.

Unlike the major Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at different times of the year.

Why Has Tinubu’s Saudi Trip Generated Controversy?

Despite the Presidency’s explanation that the trip is for religious purposes, the visit has attracted criticism and questions from opposition figures and political leaders, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar calling on the Presidency to provide daily, date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu participating in the Umrah rites in Makkah.

In a statement, Atiku alleged that the President might make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France. However, the Presidency dismissed claims that the trip was for medical treatment, maintaining that Tinubu was travelling to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria.

What Happened Before Tinubu’s Departure?

Shortly before leaving Nigeria, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport.

When Will Tinubu Return To Nigeria?

The Presidency announced that Tinubu would return to Nigeria the following week after completing his Umrah pilgrimage. However, the October 28 statement by Onanuga did not specify an exact return date.