Precious Nwonu, Enugu

President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, Umrah, and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.

The planned trip was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, during which he will seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.

Before leaving the country, the President is scheduled to commission newly acquired Nigerian Air Force operational equipment at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The Presidency did not disclose further details about the equipment in its announcement.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.

The planned visit comes as the Federal Government continues to face challenges relating to national security, economic conditions and social stability. However, the Presidency’s announcement focused on the President’s religious activities and prayers for the country.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at various times of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.

The President’s departure and the planned commissioning of the Air Force equipment were announced by the Presidency on October 28, 2026.