By George Omagbemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Tinubu had departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time after completing the lesser pilgrimage, also known as Umrah.
On arrival in Abuja, he was received by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police and other senior government officials.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, the President led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
He was also granted special access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah on Sunday, where he and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity, while seeking divine guidance and wisdom for the nation’s leaders.
His delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other officials.
The return marks the end of the President’s Saudi Arabian pilgrimage.
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