FG, NAHCON Strengthen Partnership to Improve Hajj Operations, Pilgrim Welfare
FG, NAHCON Strengthen Partnership to Improve Hajj Operations, Pilgrim Welfare
FG, NAHCON Strengthen Partnership to Improve Hajj Operations, Pilgrim Welfare
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to enhance Hajj administration, improve consular services and ensure the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between the Ministry, NAHCON and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia to provide effective support for Nigerian pilgrims before, during and after the annual pilgrimage.
Earlier, Ambassador Yusuf congratulated the Minister on his appointment and highlighted the critical role of diplomacy in the successful coordination of Hajj operations.
He explained that the annual movement of more than 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia requires sustained collaboration among relevant institutions to effectively address consular, diplomatic and welfare-related issues.
The NAHCON Chairman also briefed the Minister on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj, attributing the improved performance to stricter due diligence in the selection of service providers, stronger contract management and enhanced accountability measures.
According to him, preparations for the 2027 Hajj have already commenced in line with the timelines set by Saudi authorities, with Nigeria allocated approximately 50,000 pilgrimage slots for the exercise.
Ambassador Yusuf further informed the Minister of a proposal by the Saudi authorities to transition Nigeria’s Hajj operations to a predominantly private tour operator model, noting that the development would require continued engagement and coordination among all relevant stakeholders.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening institutional cooperation to improve Hajj operations, strengthen consular support and ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
FG, NAHCON Strengthen Partnership to Improve Hajj Operations, Pilgrim Welfare
