President Bola Tinubu has concluded his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation the rare privilege of entering the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers. The President, who also performed Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, described the opportunity as a special honour and said the hospitality extended to his delegation reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu announced the conclusion of the visit on Monday in a message posted on his official X account, where he expressed appreciation to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince for facilitating the spiritual experience. He wrote, “I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah.” The President specifically acknowledged King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister.
Tinubu thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure. He also expressed gratitude for their hospitality and what he described as their brotherly care throughout the visit. The President said the gesture reflected the enduring relationship between the two countries, anchored on shared religious ties, friendship and mutual respect. “It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” he added.
During his visit, Tinubu had earlier disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, while reaffirming his commitment to national development and the pursuit of prosperity. He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook and stressed the need to invest in the future of young Nigerians. The President’s prayers for Nigeria’s progress were reiterated in his latest message announcing the conclusion of the visit.
Members of Tinubu’s delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states. Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, and Chief Executive Officer of Oando, Wale Tinubu, were also among the prominent Nigerians who accompanied the President.
The Ka’abah, situated within the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, is the most sacred site in Islam and the direction towards which Muslims worldwide face during their daily prayers. Access to its interior is restricted, making the opportunity extended to Tinubu and his delegation a rare religious privilege. The President said he used the opportunity of entering the Holy Ka’abah to pray for Nigeria, particularly for peace, national unity and prosperity.
Tinubu’s visit to Saudi Arabia and his experience at the Holy Ka’abah have been seen as a significant moment in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the Kingdom. The President’s expression of gratitude to the Saudi leadership and his prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria reflect the importance of the visit. Key aspects of the visit included Tinubu’s performance of Umrah, his access to the Holy Ka’abah, and his meeting with Saudi leaders.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia, expressing gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him access to the Holy Ka’abah.
- Tinubu performed Umrah and prayed for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria during his visit.
- The visit reflected the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, anchored on shared religious ties, friendship and mutual respect.
