Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign 2024 Hajj Agreement
Jerry Adesewo
On Sunday, January 7, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2024 (1445AH) Hajj pilgrimage.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah between representatives from Nigeria, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Acting Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the Saudi Arabian delegation, headed by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah.
Before the signing ceremony, the two ministers held a discussion in which Nigeria requested a permanent solution to the shortage of tents in Mina and more favorable conditions for Nigerian carriers during Hajj airlifts.
The Nigerian team also extended an invitation to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah to visit Nigeria.
The MoU signing solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to a seamless Hajj experience for its citizens. It is expected to facilitate efficient planning, coordination, and management of the pilgrimage, ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.
During the signing of the Memorandum Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah, addressed NAHCON’s concerns regarding space allocation in Mina. He highlighted the importance of early monetary deposits for reserving preferred spaces in Masha’ir, in line with the Ministry’s updated policy of first-come, first-served.
Dr. Al-Rabiah urged NAHCON to take advantage of this new policy to secure choice spaces in Masha’ir, ensuring a more comfortable and convenient experience for Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj. He emphasised that this move is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in space allocation.
“The new policy aims to streamline the process of securing Masha’ir spaces and provide equal opportunities for all pilgrims, regardless of their country of origin. By making early deposits, NAHCON can guarantee preferred locations for Nigerian pilgrims, contributing to a more organised and efficient Hajj experience,” he explained.
