President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, a religious pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to worship and pray to Allah.

The Presidency announced the trip in a statement released on Wednesday night, explaining that the visit would provide the President with an opportunity to pray for Nigeria and seek divine guidance for the country.

According to the statement, Tinubu will pray for peace, unity, stability and progress in Nigeria during his stay in the holy city.

The religious exercise comes as the administration continues to address the country’s economic and security challenges.

Before departing Nigeria, the President is expected to commission newly acquired equipment for the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The equipment is expected to strengthen the Air Force’s operational capacity and support its duties.

Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.