The President said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to serve Nigerians, described the economy as having emerged from a difficult period and promised to strengthen investment in young people.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, saying his resolve to serve the country has strengthened after he performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia and received permission to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.
The President also expressed confidence in his administration’s economic policies, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid, while promising to invest more in young Nigerians and create opportunities for future generations
Mr Tinubu made the remarks on Monday, 2 November 2026, while reflecting on his spiritual visit to Makkah, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The statement said King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman granted the President and members of his Nigerian delegation access to the Ka’abah, Islam’s most sacred structure.
The visit provided the President with an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and pray for the country. He said he asked Allah for the wisdom and resilience needed to continue serving Nigerians.
Tinubu explains prayers inside Ka’abah
Mr Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Saudi royal family for granting him and his delegation access to the sacred structure.
He described the experience as a historic personal honour and thanked the Saudi authorities for their hospitality.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country,” he said.
The President also drew attention to the colours surrounding the Ka’abah, saying they reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
According to the statement, Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led the President into the Ka’abah.
Mr Tinubu said he had prayed for similar divine guidance before the 2023 presidential election and returned to express gratitude after securing victory.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
He added that he had promised to return to thank Allah after his earlier Umrah.
President links power to responsibility
The President also referred to Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which describes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and the giver and taker of power.
He used the passage to emphasise that political authority should not be treated as a permanent possession but as a responsibility that must be exercised with humility.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” Mr Tinubu said.
He added that leaders must use positions of authority responsibly because the power to appoint and remove those in leadership ultimately belongs to Allah.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing, saying the opportunity should translate into meaningful service to the country.
“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
He also maintained that his commitment to national development had become stronger following the spiritual experience.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
Tinubu defends economic outlook
Mr Tinubu also used the occasion to express confidence in the direction of Nigeria’s economy, despite the difficulties Nigerians have experienced under his administration.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
The President did not provide specific economic indicators or figures in the statement to support his assessment.
However, official figures show that Nigeria recorded 4.43 per cent economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025.
The Federal Ministry of Finance’s macroeconomic dashboard also put headline inflation at 15.39 per cent in August 2026, while food inflation stood at 19.57 per cent.
Read also: Tinubu Prays for Nigeria in Makkah, Says Diversity Must Bring Prosperity, Not Division
These figures indicate improvements in some economic indicators, but they do not establish that the benefits of economic growth have translated into better living conditions for households.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its June 2026 assessment, said economic reforms had improved Nigeria’s macroeconomic outcomes and resilience. It also warned that conditions remained difficult for many Nigerians, with poverty estimated at 63 per cent under the national poverty line.
e economic debate therefore remains important to ordinary Nigerians, particularly households facing food costs, businesses dealing with operating expenses and young people seeking employment.
President promises greater investment in youths
Beyond the economy, Mr Tinubu identified investment in young Nigerians as a major responsibility of his administration.
He argued that the decisions taken by current leaders would shape how future generations judge their performance
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he asked.
The President said his administration would continue to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people and create conditions that would allow Nigerians to realise their potential.
He also urged leaders to follow their conscience and make decisions that would advance the country’s development.
“It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” he said
The statement also listed senior government officials and business leaders who accompanied the President during the spiritual exercise.
They included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Chairman of BUA Group Abdulsamad Rabiu and Oando chief executive Wale Tinubu were also among the delegation.
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