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Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation on Hajj and Umrah administration following a landmark high-level meeting between their officials in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Saudi delegation was led to the meeting by the Kingdom’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, while the Nigerian officials were led by the Chairman the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Usman.
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The engagement, described by Nigerian authorities as historic, marks the first official visit of a Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria and underscores the Kingdom’s sustained commitment to partnership, pilgrim welfare, and institutional collaboration in serving the Guests of Allah.
At the meeting, Mr Usman, a professor, commended Saudi Arabia’s far-reaching reforms under Vision 2030, noting their transformative impact on infrastructure, safety, service delivery, and the overall pilgrimage experience for millions of pilgrims worldwide, including Nigerians.
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According to a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Mu’azu, the chairman acknowledged ongoing concerns relating to Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly issues arising from overstaying by a segment of pilgrims.
He stressed that Nigeria is committed to working closely with Saudi authorities to address the challenge through tighter regulation of licensed operators, improved data accountability, and community-based engagement to ensure voluntary compliance and return.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on him, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the visit as historic.
“This is the first time ever that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria. It is history in the making,” he said.
He conveyed the greetings and goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, crown prince and prime minister of the kingdom.
READ STATEMENT
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Hajj and Umrah Cooperation at Historic Abuja Meeting.
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on Hajj and Umrah administration following a historic high-level engagement in Abuja between Nigerian authorities and a delegation led by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi described the visit as a landmark moment in Nigeria–Saudi relations and a clear signal of the Kingdom’s continued partnership with Nigeria in serving the Guests of Allah.
He commended the Kingdom for its sustained investments in pilgrim welfare, infrastructure, safety, and service delivery, noting that Saudi Vision 2030 has significantly enhanced the quality and efficiency of Hajj and Umrah operations for pilgrims worldwide.
He further acknowledged ongoing concerns relating to Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly issues arising from overstaying by a segment of pilgrims. He stressed that Nigeria is committed to working closely with Saudi authorities to address the challenge through tighter regulation of licensed operators, improved data accountability, and community-based engagement to ensure voluntary compliance and return.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s full readiness to comply with all guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, emphasising Nigeria’s resolve to protect the integrity of Hajj and Umrah operations while safeguarding the interests of its pilgrims.
Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the visit as historic.
“This is the first time ever that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria. It is history in the making,” he said.
He conveyed the greetings and goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom.
President Tinubu, he said, holds the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and remains firmly committed to strengthening the long-standing and cordial relations between both countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that cooperation in Hajj and Umrah administration remains one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria–Saudi relations, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and centuries-old people-to-people ties. He recalled Nigeria’s long historical connection to the Holy Land, including trans-Saharan pilgrimage routes and the enduring Nigerian presence in Saudi Arabia.
He further emphasized the need for future discussions on quota expansion, given Nigeria’s demographic growth projections.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strong commitment to institutional cooperation with Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah places great importance on strengthening cooperation with our brothers in Nigeria to ensure a smooth and safe experience for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
He disclosed that in 2025, the Kingdom received approximately 89,000 Umrah performers from Nigeria, with 92 percent arriving on Umrah visas in the same year. He added that about 420 flights departed via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to support Nigerian Umrah operations.
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Dr. Al-Rabiah expressed optimism about building on these achievements and reaffirmed readiness to work closely with Nigerian authorities in preparation for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season, with emphasis on operational readiness, safety, service quality, and procedural efficiency. “Insha Allah Hajj 2026 will be the best ever,” he noted.
He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for awareness initiatives, including the “No Hajj without a permit” campaign, to safeguard pilgrims and ensure orderly operations.
Both sides agreed to sustain close coordination, strengthen regulatory compliance, and pursue practical solutions that will enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims while protecting the integrity of Hajj and Umrah systems.
The engagement concluded with mutual assurances of continued cooperation and shared prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity for both nations, in service of the Guests of Allah and the wider Islamic Ummah.
Ahmad Muazu
Technical Assistant (Media)
Office of the Chairman/CEO NAHCON
