Tinubu joins select world leaders granted access to Kaaba
President Bola Tinubu has been granted rare access to the interior of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his Umrah pilgrimage.
In a statement, Yusuf Ali, the president’s focal person on digital and strategic communications, said the visit provided an opportunity for the Nigerian leader to offer prayers for the country’s peace and prosperity.
Ali said Tinubu was also seen kissing the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, one of Islam’s most sacred relics, before entering the Kaaba in November 2026. He described the privilege as a rare religious and diplomatic honour, noting that access to the interior of the Kaaba is highly restricted and usually granted to selected heads of state, monarchs and distinguished visitors through special arrangements by Saudi authorities.
“Entering the inner chamber of the Kaaba is considered a rare religious and diplomatic honour, traditionally extended to select visiting heads of state, monarchs and distinguished dignitaries through special arrangements by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the King of Saudi Arabia,” Ali said.
Tinubu joins a select group of world leaders who have enjoyed the privilege, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, who entered the sacred structure in February 2016 during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
He disclosed that Buhari’s access was facilitated by the then Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ordered the Kaaba opened to allow the former Nigerian leader and members of his delegation to offer prayers inside.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was also granted access during a visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2022. Other monarchs, crown princes, prime ministers and prominent Muslim leaders have equally been admitted on special occasions.
The Kaaba, located at the centre of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah, is the holiest site in Islam and the direction towards which Muslims across the world face during their daily prayers.
