President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kissed the sacred Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, during his ongoing visit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he was also granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba.
The Nigerian leader performed the religious act during his spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah). He was subsequently allowed to enter the interior of the Kaaba on Sunday, November 1, 2026, alongside members of his delegation.
The Presidency confirmed that the rare honour was granted through the goodwill of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu offered prayers inside the sacred structure, seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
He described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual moment.
Other prominent Nigerians, including BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, governors and top government officials, also accompanied the President into the Kaaba.