Nigeria and Saudi Arabia Sign MoU for 2025 Hajj.

By Caroline Ameh

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims. Representing Ambassador Tuggar at the ceremony, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, signed for Saudi Arabia.

The MoU signing is part of ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj, which builds on previous agreements between the two countries. A key component of these preparations includes the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, a platform that gathers all stakeholders across sectors to enhance the pilgrimage experience and improve the quality of services provided to the pilgrims.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the importance of the MoU, stating that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding tradition of signing annual agreements to ensure the smooth conduct of Hajj for Nigerian Muslims. He noted that these agreements clearly define the responsibilities and expectations of both countries, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best services and support during the Hajj.

“These MoUs guarantee a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for Nigerian pilgrims. They also foster collaboration on various key aspects, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare services, which are essential for the welfare of the pilgrims,” he added.

The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; Senator Aliyu Ikara Bilbis; Hon. Jafar Shatiman Borgu; the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya; Ambassador Mahmud Lele; and the Charge d’Affaires in Riyadh, Dr. Modibo Umar.

This partnership is expected to ensure Nigerian pilgrims have a comfortable and fulfilling Hajj experience in 2025.