The General Caliph of the Tijaniyya Order and leader of the Tijaniyya Supreme Council, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani, has arrived Nigeria on an official visit aimed at strengthening spiritual and cultural ties between the order’s global headquarters in Algeria and its followers in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Sheikh Tidjani arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, August 6, 2026, leading a high-level delegation from the General Caliphate in Aïn Madhi, Algeria, following an invitation from leading Sheikhs of the Tijaniyya Order in Nigeria.
As part of his engagements, the General Caliph and his delegation met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday, August 7.
During the meeting, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani highlighted the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Nigeria, noting the enormous potential for further strengthening relations between the two countries.
He also prayed for the continued strengthening of spiritual ties between the peoples of Algeria and Nigeria, while seeking peace, love and stability in Nigeria.
The Tijaniyya leader further offered prayers for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of President Tinubu and the continued progress of Nigeria.
The visit, which is expected to span several days, includes engagements in Abuja, Kano, Bauchi and other parts of the country.
As part of the itinerary, Sheikh Tidjani is expected to visit Tijaniyya Zawiyas and interact with scholars and followers involved in the teaching of Islamic sciences, jurisprudence and the principles of the Tijaniyya Order.
He will also participate in celebrations commemorating the birth of Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani, founder of the Tijaniyya Order, scheduled to take place in Kano.
Beyond the religious activities, the visit is expected to feature meetings with government officials, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders, as well as a range of cultural and spiritual engagements.
The Tijaniyya Order is one of the prominent Sufi brotherhoods with a strong presence across West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Mali, as well as parts of North Africa and the Middle East.
The order was founded in the late 18th century by Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (1737–1815). Its historical and spiritual headquarters are located in Aïn Madhi, in Algeria’s Laghouat Province, where the Mother Zawiya and the institutional headquarters of the General Caliphate are situated.
Aïn Madhi remains an important spiritual centre for Tijaniyya followers from around the world.
As General Caliph, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani serves as the supreme spiritual and temporal authority of the Tijaniyya Order, with responsibility for fostering unity and strengthening relations among its various branches worldwide.