Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj, outlining measures to improve pilgrimage operations, strengthen logistics and enhance the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 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 signing was announced in a statement issued by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
The agreement provides a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage, covering Hajj quota allocation, compliance with Saudi regulations and adherence to operational deadlines.
It also outlines cooperation between the two countries on essential services, including accommodation, transportation and healthcare, while providing for closer collaboration to address logistical challenges, monitor service standards and protect pilgrims’ welfare.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yusuf commended the Saudi government for its continued investment in pilgrimage infrastructure, improvements in Hajj arrangements and cooperation with Nigeria.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
In his remarks, Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, acknowledging Nigeria’s contribution to the achievement.
He also commended Nigeria for meeting established timelines in preparation for the 2027 pilgrimage and urged NAHCON to sustain the progress.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.
Following the agreement, NAHCON is expected to work with state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to coordinate preparations, monitor service delivery and address potential challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 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 signing was announced in a statement issued by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
The agreement provides a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage, covering Hajj quota allocation, compliance with Saudi regulations and adherence to operational deadlines.
It also outlines cooperation between the two countries on essential services, including accommodation, transportation and healthcare, while providing for closer collaboration to address logistical challenges, monitor service standards and protect pilgrims’ welfare.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yusuf commended the Saudi government for its continued investment in pilgrimage infrastructure, improvements in Hajj arrangements and cooperation with Nigeria.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
In his remarks, Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, acknowledging Nigeria’s contribution to the achievement.
He also commended Nigeria for meeting established timelines in preparation for the 2027 pilgrimage and urged NAHCON to sustain the progress.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.
Following the agreement, NAHCON is expected to work with state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to coordinate preparations, monitor service delivery and address potential challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.