By Mariam Zubair Abubakar/ ABUJA
In a historic visit, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, arrived in Abuja on February 3, 2026, to strengthen high-level cooperation aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to ensuring a smooth and safe journey for the Guests of Allah through strict regulatory compliance and enhanced institutional coordination.
During the engagement, Dr. Al-Rabiah reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to work closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) ahead of the 1447 Hijri (2026) Hajj season.
He stressed that the key priorities for the upcoming pilgrimage include operational efficiency, improved service delivery, and the safety of pilgrims.
Central to the discussions was the reinforcement of the Kingdom’s “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign. Dr. Al-Rabiah reiterated Saudi Arabia’s full support for awareness initiatives aimed at educating pilgrims on the importance of complying with Hajj regulations.
The minister affirms that the kingdom will not allow anyone with non hajj visa to perform Hajj.
In preparation for the 2026 Hajj, NAHCON has already finalized accommodation arrangements in Makkah and Madinah, surpassing Saudi-mandated deadlines.
The Minister also announced the already established health protocols requiring intending pilgrims to undergo medical screenings at designated hospitals in Nigeria.
The measure is intended to enhance health monitoring and ensure seamless healthcare management upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting the deepening spiritual and economic ties between both countries, Dr. Al-Rabiah disclosed that approximately 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025.
According to him, 92 per cent of the pilgrims travelled on official Umrah visas, facilitated by 420 direct flights through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described the visit as “history in the making,” noting that it marked the first time a Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs visits Nigeria for such high-level coordination.
Both countries expressed optimism that the strengthened collaboration would address long-standing consular challenges and make the 2026 Hajj the most successful.
In his remarks the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, assured the Saudi minister of his commitment in working with the Saudi Government for an improved and successful 2026 Hajj.
Mariam Zubair Abubakar is the Acting head Public Affairs Unit, NAHCON
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