Saudi Advance Team In Nigeria Ahead Of Ministerial Visit

An advanced team from Saudi Arabia, led by Professor Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, has arrived in Nigeria. Their visit precedes the official trip of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabbiah, scheduled for 3rd February 2026. This preparatory visit is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the successful participation and execution of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The Saudi delegation was received yesterday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by some management staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), headed by Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations, and included Mr Mohammed Bakar, Third Secretary from the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

According to Shafii Sani Mohammed, Principal Information Officer at NAHCON, the advance team will lay the groundwork for a series of diplomatic engagements and meetings. These will be attended by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah upon his arrival, including a courtesy meeting with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Concurrently, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with several Commissioners and management staff, is returning to Nigeria. Their return follows a successful pre-Hajj preparatory visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaken to further arrangements for the 2026 Hajj.

The Saudi Advance Team comprises:

Mr. Azzam Harakati (International Relations)

Mr. Bandar Al-Sheikhi (Hajj Operations)

Mr. Khaled Al-Furaidi (Protocol and Ceremonies)

Mr. Abdullah Zarei (Umrah Markets)

Mr. Mohammed Al-Nouri (G2G–G2B)

Mr. Ali Al-Manbahi (Guest Experience and Strategic Development)

Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Qarni (Awareness and Media)

This visit highlights the robust collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria to deliver a smooth, efficient, and successful Hajj in 2026.