By Soliu Oyesiji
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken fresh steps to deepen cooperation in Hajj and Umrah operations following the official visit of the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, to the country.
The minister was received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and other top government officials.
The visit, officials said, was aimed at strengthening bilateral engagement between both countries, particularly in areas related to Hajj planning, coordination and service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
During a high-level meeting involving officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and their Nigerian counterparts, discussions centred on improving operational frameworks, enhancing pilgrim welfare and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Also present at the engagement were members of the NAHCON Board, the Commissioner for Operations, representatives of state pilgrims welfare boards, and leaders of licensed tour operators, underscoring the strategic importance Nigeria attaches to the visit.
The visit is expected to consolidate cooperation and pave the way for more efficient and pilgrim-friendly Hajj operations in subsequent seasons.
