President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s economy has come out of the “dark tunnel” and expressed confidence in its current foundation and prospects.
He spoke during his Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, during which he was granted access to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” Tinubu said.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians. He also thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah.
Tinubu described the experience as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual moment, expressing gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the privilege.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity.
“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.
Speaking about his prayers inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu said he asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to discharge his responsibilities as President.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” he said.
He also spoke about his commitment to national development, saying his experience had strengthened his resolve to pursue prosperity and invest in the country’s future.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also cited Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which speaks of Allah as the giver and taker of power. He said political authority was a responsibility that must be exercised in accordance with divine guidance.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person’,” he said.
Tinubu described his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief as a blessing from Allah, which he said he must repay through service to the country.
“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. 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 added.
He also stressed the need for investment in young Nigerians, saying the decisions of present leaders would determine how future generations assess 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? That’s the main thing. So, this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he said.
Members of the Nigerian delegation who also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and the governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Others were Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Tinubu had on Sunday prayed for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity while hosting members of his delegation to dinner in Makkah.
He expressed the hope that the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would remain a source of strength rather than division, urging Nigerians to embrace mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
“May Almighty Allah bless Nigeria, convert our diversity into prosperity as a country,” the President said.
He also prayed for divine guidance and protection for Nigerians at home and abroad, asking Allah to strengthen bonds among citizens and inspire patriotism, compassion and service to the country.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s human and natural resources, alongside the talents and enterprise of its people, provided a basis for national prosperity.
He urged Nigerians across religious and cultural backgrounds to work together in the national interest, expressing confidence that unity and collective determination would help the country overcome its challenges.
