Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have agreed on key arrangements for the 2027 Hajj, including Nigeria’s pilgrim quota, operational deadlines and measures to improve pilgrims’ welfare.
The agreement was formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday in Jeddah by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
NAHCON announced the development in a statement issued by its Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed. The signing ceremony took place at the Super Dome in Jeddah.
The agreement covers compliance with Saudi regulations and coordination of accommodation, transportation and healthcare services. It also provides for closer cooperation to address logistical challenges, monitor service standards and protect the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, while Saudi Arabia was represented by its Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.
Yusuf commended the Saudi government for its continued investment in pilgrimage infrastructure and improved Hajj arrangements. Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj and praised Nigeria for meeting deadlines for the 2027 preparations.
NAHCON said it would work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed Hajj operators and relevant Saudi institutions to implement the agreement, monitor services and address potential challenges ahead of the pilgrimage.
