⬆️Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, NAHCON Chairman/CEO and Saudi Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat at the signing of the MoU.
Nigeria has received commendation from Saudi Arabia for meeting all established operational timelines for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah signed the agreement on Tuesday at the Super Dome in Jeddah, providing the framework for Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage.
The agreement was signed by NAHCON Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on behalf of Nigeria, while Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, signed on behalf of the Kingdom.
According to a statement by Shafii Sani Mohammed, Head of Information and Publications at NAHCON, the Saudi official commended Nigeria for meeting all established timelines for the 2027 Hajj and urged the commission to sustain the performance.
Dr Mashat also disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, attributing the achievement partly to the contributions of participating countries, including Nigeria.
The MoU provides guidelines for Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 Hajj, particularly in the areas of pilgrim quota allocation, compliance with Saudi regulations, adherence to operational deadlines and coordination of essential services.
It also provides for cooperation in accommodation, transportation and healthcare, while establishing a framework for addressing logistical challenges, monitoring service standards and ensuring the welfare and safety of pilgrims.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yusuf commended the Saudi government and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah for their sustained investments in pilgrim infrastructure, improvements in Hajj arrangements and constructive engagement with Nigeria.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to building on the progress through stronger institutional collaboration, improved operational efficiency and better service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and a National Assembly delegation led by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Hon. Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.
With the signing of the MoU, NAHCON is expected to intensify consultations with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to align operational arrangements with the provisions of the agreement.
The commission will also strengthen service monitoring and address potential logistical and administrative challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Saudi commendation for Nigeria’s timely compliance marks an important step in preparations for the next Hajj, placing the country in a stronger position to coordinate its operations and deliver a more efficient pilgrimage experience for intending pilgrims.