Soliu Oyesiji.
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have opened a new chapter in their pilgrimage partnership following the historic visit of the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Abuja.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with Nigerian officials and stakeholders, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the visit as unprecedented and symbolic of the deepening ties between both nations.
“This is a historic occasion. It is the first time that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria,” Tuggar said.
He noted that cooperation in Hajj and Umrah administration remains a major pillar of bilateral relations, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving services for pilgrims.
“Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share a relationship rooted in faith, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties. Our cooperation in Hajj and Umrah reflects our collective responsibility to safeguard the welfare and dignity of pilgrims,” he added.
Tuggar also commended Saudi Arabia for reforms aimed at enhancing pilgrim safety and efficiency, while highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to address challenges related to Umrah visas and consular overstays.
In his response, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabbiah, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to closer partnership with Nigeria in pilgrimage administration.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah places great importance on strengthening institutional cooperation with Nigeria in a manner that ensures a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims,” he said.
He disclosed that about 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025, with 92 percent arriving on Umrah visas, while around 420 direct flights operated between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia within the year.
“We look forward to continued joint coordination in preparation for the coming Hajj season to enhance operational readiness and improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims,” the Saudi minister said.
Both countries expressed optimism that the visit would yield practical outcomes and further elevate the experience of Nigerian pilgrims in future Hajj and Umrah operations.
