In a significant diplomatic development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, officially ratified the 2024 Hajj agreement between the governments of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The ceremonial signing took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
During a bilateral meeting with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taofiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah, Ambassador Tuggar underscored the commitment to a new era of precision in the upcoming 2024 Hajj operations.
The focus of this cultural shift is to ensure the seamless execution of pre-Hajj, Hajj, and Umrah activities within stipulated timelines.
The comprehensive bilateral discussions delved into crucial aspects of the pilgrimage, including the efficient airlifting of pilgrims, the participation of Nigerian government-endorsed airlines, arrangements for Hajj accommodations, and the provision of meals for pilgrims.
Ambassador Tuggar shared insights from the meeting, stating, “We discussed ways of improving services for Hajj and Umrah on both sides; this is a process that is always under review.
From what was discussed, there will be improvements in this year’s Hajj. Nigeria holds the position of the fourth-largest contributor of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and the fifth-largest for Umrah.”
Expressing satisfaction, Ambassador Tuggar acknowledged the measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance the 2023 Hajj operations and ensure the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.
In response, Minister AlRabiah conveyed the Saudi authorities’ commitment to thoroughly reviewing all concerns raised by the Nigerian delegation.
He assured cooperation from the Saudi Hajj authorities to collaborate closely with their Nigerian counterparts, aiming for a seamless 2024 Hajj and Umrah operation.
The ratification of the Hajj 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) occurred on the sidelines of the 3rd Edition of the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition in 2024. Ambassador Tuggar utilized the occasion to extend a formal invitation to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to visit Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation participating in the ratification and the 2024 Hajj and Umrah Conference included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Among them were the commission’s Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Nigeria’s acting Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Mahmud Lele, and Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Bello Hussaini Kazaure.
This diplomatic milestone signifies a renewed commitment between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to enhance the pilgrimage experience and strengthen the enduring ties between the two nations.
