Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign 2027 Hajj Agreement

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide preparations and arrangements for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.

The agreement was signed in Jeddah by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed.

The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both countries in organising the 2027 pilgrimage. It covers Nigeria’s Hajj quota, compliance with Saudi Arabian laws and regulations, and the deadlines for completing necessary preparations.

Other areas covered include accommodation, transportation, medical care and other services required by Nigerian pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The MoU also provides for stronger cooperation between the two countries, as well as proper supervision of services to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive adequate care throughout the pilgrimage.

Speaking after the agreement was signed, Ambassador Yusuf praised the Saudi government for its continued investment in Hajj facilities and efforts to improve services for pilgrims.

He also assured the Saudi authorities that NAHCON would maintain its cooperation with relevant agencies in the kingdom to ensure a better pilgrimage experience for Nigerians.

In his response, Dr Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent satisfaction rate among pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj.

He also praised Nigeria for meeting the required operational deadlines during the previous pilgrimage and encouraged NAHCON to sustain the performance in subsequent exercises.

Following the signing of the agreement, NAHCON is expected to begin working with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, approved Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi agencies to put the arrangements into effect.

The commission will also coordinate preparations and ensure that all necessary activities are completed on time ahead of the 2027 Hajj.