Tinubu Departs Saudi Arabia for Nigeria After Completing Umrah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for Abuja after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

Tinubu’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, November 4.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the departure in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The President was accompanied to the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before his departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex.

The President arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and subsequently led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

On Sunday, November 1, Tinubu and members of his delegation were granted access to the interior of the Holy Ka’abah, where they performed two raka’at prayers.

According to the Presidency, the President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity during the religious exercise.

He also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, particularly the privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah.

Members of his entourage on the return journey included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among others.

The departure brings Tinubu’s latest visit to Saudi Arabia to an end, with the President returning to Nigeria after the completion of the religious exercise.