Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign MoU for 2027 Hajj Operations

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign MoU for 2027 Hajj Operations

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, aimed at improving arrangements and services for Nigerian pilgrims.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Super Dome in Jeddah, with NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, signing on behalf of Nigeria, while Saudi Arabia was represented by its Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

The agreement provides a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage, covering pilgrim quota allocation, compliance with Saudi regulations, operational deadlines and essential services, including accommodation, transportation and healthcare.

It also provides for stronger cooperation between both countries in addressing logistical challenges, monitoring service standards and ensuring the welfare and safety of pilgrims.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Yusuf commended the Saudi Government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their continued investment in pilgrim infrastructure, improvements in Hajj arrangements and sustained cooperation with Nigeria.

He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.

In his remarks, Dr. Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, commending Nigeria for its contribution to the achievement.

He also praised Nigeria for meeting the established timelines for the 2027 Hajj preparations and urged NAHCON to maintain the progress.

The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Hon. Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.

Following the agreement, NAHCON will work with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to coordinate preparations, monitor service delivery and address possible challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen Hajj operations and improve the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign MoU for 2027 Hajj Operations