Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Deepen Hajj, Umrah Ties At Abuja Engagement

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on Hajj and Umrah administration following a historic high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigerian officials and a delegation led by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Welcoming the delegation, the chairman and chief executive officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi described the visit as a landmark in Nigeria–Saudi relations and a clear demonstration of the Kingdom’s enduring partnership with Nigeria in serving the Guests of Allah. He praised Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments in pilgrim welfare, infrastructure, safety, and service delivery, noting that the Saudi Vision 2030 reforms have significantly improved the quality and efficiency of Hajj and Umrah operations globally.

Professor Abdullahi also acknowledged challenges with Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly issues arising from some pilgrims’ overstays. He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the matter through stricter regulation of licensed operators, enhanced

data accountability, and community-based engagement to promote voluntary compliance and timely return. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to comply fully with all guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, underscoring 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.

According to him, President Tinubu holds the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia are highly esteemed and remain firmly committed to deepening the long-standing cordial relations between both countries.

The Minister noted that cooperation in the Hajj and Umrah administration remains one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria–Saudi relations, anchored in shared 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 also emphasised the need for future discussions on quota expansion in light of Nigeria’s growing population.

In his remarks, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, 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.

Dr Al-Rabiah disclosed that in 2025, approximately 89,000 Nigerian pilgrims performed Umrah, with 92 per cent arriving on Umrah visas. He added that about 420 flights departed through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to support Nigerian Umrah operations.

He expressed optimism about building on these achievements and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to work closely with Nigerian authorities in preparation for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season, with a focus on operational readiness, safety, service quality, and procedural efficiency. “Insha Allah, Hajj 2026 will be the best ever,” he stated.

He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for awareness initiatives, including the “No Hajj without a permit” campaign, aimed at safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring orderly operations.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, strengthen regulatory compliance, and pursue practical solutions to 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.