Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Strengthen Hajj and Umrah Cooperation

By Zainab Bakare

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral ties spanning political, economic, cultural, and spiritual cooperation, with particular focus on Hajj and Umrah operations.

The renewed commitment was announced during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maitama Tuggar, and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Tuggar described the visit as a clear testament to the “enduring bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation” between both nations.

He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to further strengthening ties with the Kingdom.

The Minister underscored the importance of people-to-people relations, noting that collaboration on Hajj and Umrah administration remains a key pillar of engagement.

He praised Saudi Arabia’s reforms and technological innovations, which have enhanced the safety, efficiency, and overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s recent efforts to resolve issues with Umrah visas and consular overstays.

He said the Federal Government has approved a strategic partnership with a digital platform—endorsed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC)—as a long-term solution.

The initiative was first discussed during President Tinubu’s visit to Riyadh.

He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen operational coordination and service delivery for pilgrims, expressing confidence that the meeting would be “frank, productive, and forward-looking,” while further consolidating diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual ties between both nations.