The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure efficient Hajj administration, enhanced consular services, and improved welfare for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Honourable Minister of State gave the assurance on Thursday, 23 July 2026, while receiving the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
During the meeting, Ambassador Yusuf congratulated the Honourable Minister of State on his appointment and underscored the critical role of diplomacy in the successful conduct of Hajj operations. He noted that the annual movement of over 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia inevitably generates consular, diplomatic and welfare issues that require close coordination between NAHCON, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Missions in Saudi Arabia.
The NAHCON Chairman briefed the Honourable Minister on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise, attributing the improved performance to stricter due diligence in the engagement of service providers, effective contract management and stronger accountability measures. He disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj had already commenced in line with the Saudi authorities’ timelines and informed the Honourable Minister of State that Nigeria had been allocated about 50,000 pilgrimage slots for the exercise.
Ambassador Yusuf also informed the Honourable Minister of State of the Saudi authorities’ proposal to transition Nigeria’s Hajj operations to a predominantly private tour operator model. While acknowledging the potential benefits of the initiative, he emphasised the need for a gradual and carefully managed implementation that takes into account Nigeria’s unique demographic realities, digital infrastructure and the operational capacities of private operators. He assured the Honourable Minister that NAHCON would continue constructive engagement with the Saudi authorities to safeguard Nigeria’s interests.
The Chairman further disclosed that the annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be signed in November 2026 and reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout the process.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye congratulated the leadership and management of NAHCON on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj, describing it as a remarkable improvement over previous exercises. He commended the Commission’s professionalism, meticulous planning and commitment to ensuring the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The Honourable Minister of State reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to continue supporting NAHCON on all diplomatic, consular and bilateral matters relating to Hajj operations. He stressed that sustained diplomatic engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains essential for the successful management of Hajj and pledged the Ministry’s full cooperation in facilitating negotiations, policy consultations and other official engagements.
The meeting also reviewed measures aimed at improving future Hajj operations, including stricter medical screening for intending pilgrims, intensified public enlightenment campaigns on Saudi regulations and travel requirements, stronger institutional coordination between the Ministry and NAHCON, and enhanced engagement with Saudi authorities on emerging reforms in Hajj administration.
Both parties further discussed the evolving management of Hajj services in Saudi Arabia, including ongoing reforms in accommodation, transportation and other logistics, and agreed on the need for sustained dialogue to ensure that the interests and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims continue to receive adequate attention.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in order to strengthen Hajj administration, improve consular support, safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and further consolidate the cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday 24, July 2026
