* Royal gathering underscores the Kingdom’s leadership in Hajj administration and Muslim cooperation
* Opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation in pilgrimage management: NAHCON boss
In a symbolic gathering that underscored Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and global Islamic unity, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, on Thursday hosted top Nigerian officials alongside Muslim leaders and heads of Hajj delegations from across the world at the annual Eid Al-Adha reception in Mina.
The royal reception, held at the Royal Palace in Mina on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, brought together distinguished Islamic personalities, diplomats, government officials, and heads of national Hajj missions participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Among the prominent leaders at the gathering were Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Albanian President Bayram Begay, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz of Turkiye, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef of the Maldives, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay of Mauritania, and Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah of Guinea, alongside senior Islamic scholars and heads of national Hajj missions from different parts of the world.
Nigeria was prominently represented at the high-level gathering by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, who attended alongside other senior Nigerian dignitaries including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, among others.
The annual reception was also attended by several world leaders and senior government officials from Muslim-majority countries, reflecting the global significance of Hajj and Saudi Arabia’s central role in coordinating one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Speaking on behalf of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the guests and extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to Muslims worldwide, while reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques and ensuring the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of pilgrims.
“God has honored Saudi Arabia with the privilege of serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, and of providing care and services to their visitors,” the Crown Prince stated.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf commended the Saudi government for what he described as extraordinary efficiency in Hajj operations and continuous investments in infrastructure, security, and digital innovations aimed at improving services for pilgrims.
“It is an honor to meet and greet the Crown Prince and witness first-hand this extraordinary royal hospitality,” the NAHCON Chairman said.
He noted that the gathering provided an opportunity for Nigeria and other participating countries to exchange ideas on best practices in Hajj administration and strengthen bilateral cooperation in pilgrimage management.
Ambassador Yusuf also reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to transparency, efficient service delivery, and improved welfare for Nigerian pilgrims throughout the remainder of the Hajj exercise.
According to him, NAHCON monitoring teams are working round the clock to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive quality care and support during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The annual Mina reception remains one of the major highlights of the Hajj season, bringing together Muslim leaders and officials in an atmosphere of spiritual reflection, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
* With additional information from Saudi Gazette and NAHCON media
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