NIGERIA, SAUDI ARABIA DEEPEN HAJJ AND UMRAH TIES AT HISTORIC ABUJA MEETING
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have renewed their commitment to stronger cooperation on Hajj and Umrah administration following a historic high-level meeting in Abuja with a Saudi delegation led by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi, described the visit as a landmark in Nigeria–Saudi relations and a strong signal of Saudi Arabia’s continued partnership in serving pilgrims. He praised the Kingdom’s investments in pilgrim welfare, infrastructure, safety, and service delivery, noting that Saudi Vision 2030 has greatly improved Hajj and Umrah operations.
Professor Abdullahi also acknowledged concerns over Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly issues linked to overstaying, and assured that Nigeria is committed to addressing them through stronger regulation, accountability, and public awareness. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to fully comply with all Saudi guidelines to protect the integrity of the pilgrimage process.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the visit as historic, noting it was the first time a Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah had visited Nigeria. He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing Nigeria’s desire to deepen its long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia, especially in Hajj and Umrah affairs.
The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to close cooperation with Nigeria to ensure safe and smooth pilgrimages. He revealed that about 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025, supported by hundreds of flights through Jeddah, and expressed optimism for even better outcomes ahead of the 1447 Hijri Hajj season. He added that, by God’s grace, Hajj 2026 would be the best yet.
Both countries agreed to maintain close coordination, improve compliance, and strengthen awareness initiatives to enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims and safeguard Hajj and Umrah operations. The meeting ended with shared prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity for both nations and the wider Islamic Ummah.