President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing a week-long lesser pilgrimage (Umrah) in the holy city of Makkah.

The President departed King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, on Wednesday at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time. His departure was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, 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, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya. Before boarding, he held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

Tinubu had departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for the spiritual journey. On Friday, he performed the Umrah rites at Masjid al-Haram, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.

The highlight of the visit came on Sunday, November 2, when King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted the President the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Ka’abah. Tinubu and members of his delegation performed two raka’at prayers inside the sacred structure at the centre of Islam’s holiest mosque.

In a statement on his X handle on Monday, Tinubu said he prayed for all Nigerians during the pilgrimage. He thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the honour and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

The President is expected to arrive Abuja on Wednesday night and resume official duties. His trip came days after he flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, with less than 75 days to the January 16, 2027 general elections.