Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Commitment to Stronger Hajj and Umrah Cooperation

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on cooperation in the administration of Hajj and Umrah.
The renewed commitment was expressed in Abuja when Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, received the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr.

Ambassador Tuggar welcomed the Saudi delegation and highlighted the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between both countries. He conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, reiterating Nigeria’s desire to further deepen bilateral relations.

The Minister commended Saudi Arabia for its continuous reforms and investments aimed at improving pilgrim safety, comfort, and overall experience during Hajj and Umrah exercises. He noted Nigeria’s appreciation of measures put in place by the Saudi authorities to modernise pilgrimage administration.

Tuggar also briefed the Saudi Minister on steps taken by Nigeria to address consular challenges affecting pilgrims, including a strategic partnership with a digital platform designed to tackle issues related to visa overstays.

According to him, the meeting was aimed at consolidating existing cooperation, resolving operational concerns, and exploring new areas of collaboration in pilgrimage management and related services. Both sides expressed confidence that the engagement would yield positive and forward-looking outcomes.

During the visit, the Saudi Minister is expected to inspect a facility intended to serve the mutual interests of both countries, as Nigeria seeks Saudi support for its implementation. The development underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia while prioritising the welfare, dignity, and smooth experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Nigeria remains one of the world’s largest contributors to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The country ranks fifth globally in terms of Hajj attendance, with a quota of 95,000 pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj season. Nigeria trails Indonesia with 221,000 pilgrims, Pakistan with 180,000, India with 175,025, and Bangladesh.

Although the exact number of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj is not readily available, overall attendance for that year stood at about 1.67 million pilgrims worldwide. This figure represents the lowest Hajj turnout in 30 years, excluding the period affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The renewed engagement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation in areas of shared religious, cultural, and strategic interest.