FG Moves To Improve Hajj Services Through Stronger Foreign Affairs-NAHCON Partnership
The Federal Government is stepping up diplomatic efforts to improve Hajj administration as preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage begin, with a renewed focus on better consular support and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The commitment was reaffirmed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, in Abuja.
Yusuf said the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj was driven by stricter due diligence in engaging service providers, improved contract management and stronger accountability measures.
He disclosed that Nigeria has been allocated about 50,000 pilgrimage slots for the 2027 Hajj, with preparations already underway in line with Saudi Arabia’s timetable.
He also briefed the minister on Saudi Arabia’s proposal to transition Nigeria’s Hajj operations to a predominantly private tour operator model, stressing that any implementation must be gradual and reflect Nigeria’s unique realities.
Enikanolaiye praised NAHCON for what he described as a significantly improved 2026 Hajj exercise and pledged the Ministry’s continued support on diplomatic, consular and bilateral matters relating to Hajj operations.
Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on medical screening for intending pilgrims, public awareness on Saudi regulations, institutional coordination and engagement with Saudi authorities on ongoing reforms affecting Hajj administration.
The annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is expected to be signed in November 2026.
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