President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been granted the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). This experience has drawn attention to the spiritual significance of the sacred structure and prayers offered for Nigeria. The privilege, granted to selected individuals with the approval of the Saudi authorities, has previously been extended to prominent Nigerian political leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and business figures during visits to the Kingdom.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to Allah, describing the experience as an opportunity to return to Him in thanksgiving. "God has favoured me. I am thankful. I have returned to give Allah thanks," the President said in an interview with State House Correspondent, Musbau Dan-Wahab. He also expressed his belief that Allah had granted him the wisdom, strength, and guidance needed to continue discharging the responsibilities of leading Nigeria.
The Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, who accompanied Tinubu on the pilgrimage, confirmed that he was also granted access to the Kaaba's interior alongside the President. In a Facebook post, Rabiu described the experience as an extraordinary honour and a once-in-a-lifetime blessing, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity. Rabiu prayed for Allah to accept their supplications and bless Nigeria with lasting peace, unity, and prosperity.
Tinubu and his entourage departed Abuja on October 29 and arrived in Jeddah on October 30 to perform Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid Al-Haram, where he circumambulated the Kaaba as part of the pilgrimage. Speaking with journalists, Tinubu described the pilgrimage as spiritually significant, saying he felt fulfilled and regarded the exercise as an opportunity to renew his commitment to Nigeria and seek Allah's guidance.
At a dinner with members of his delegation in Makkah on November 1, Tinubu offered prayers for Nigeria, particularly for unity, peace, and prosperity amid the country's religious, ethnic, and regional diversity. The gathering brought together state governors, senior government officials, and business leaders who accompanied him on the pilgrimage. Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, spoke on behalf of the governors, pledging their continued prayers for the President and Nigeria.
Tinubu is not the first Nigerian president to receive the privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Kaaba. In February 2016, former President Muhammadu Buhari and members of his delegation were granted access to the sacred structure during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Several prominent Nigerians, including governors, traditional rulers, and business figures, have also received the honour during Buhari's visit, including Kashim Shettima, Rauf Aregbesola, and Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The Holy Kaaba, located within Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, is Islam's most sacred structure. Muslims across the world face towards it during their five daily prayers, while pilgrims circumambulate it during Hajj and Umrah. Although access to its interior is restricted, selected Muslim leaders, scholars, and dignitaries are occasionally granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred chambers.
Key points
- President Tinubu becomes the second Nigerian president to enter the Holy Kaaba interior, after former President Muhammadu Buhari.
- The privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba is granted to selected individuals with the approval of the Saudi authorities.
- Tinubu expressed gratitude to Allah and prayed for Nigeria's unity, peace, and prosperity during his pilgrimage.
