President Bola Tinubu said he has wrapped up his visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray and perform Umrah, alongside members of his delegation.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement on his official social media account, expressing deep gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the extraordinary gesture.
The president credited King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending the invitation and for what he described as their gracious hospitality and brotherly care throughout the visit.
Tinubu's prayer inside the Holy Kaaba
Tinubu said the experience in the sacred space moved him to offer prayers on behalf of the country he leads.
"In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians," he said.
The president, who signed off his statement with his full title, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, described the access granted to his delegation as a reflection of the longstanding ties between both countries.
The president, who signed off his statement with his full title, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, described the access granted to his delegation as a reflection of the longstanding ties between both countries.
"It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia," he added.
Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relations
The visit underlines the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has grown over decades through shared religious, economic, and bilateral interests.
Tinubu's delegation joining him in the Kaaba entry further signals the significance Saudi Arabia placed on the Nigerian president's visit.
The Holy Kaaba, located inside Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, is considered the most sacred site in Islam.
Entry into the structure itself is restricted and granted only on rare occasions, typically to heads of state and other dignitaries at the invitation of the Saudi royal family.
Read Tinubu's full statement on X here:
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.
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) November 2, 2026
I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud @KingSalman, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.
It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
@spagov2
@KSAmofaEN
