The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has signed the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Saudi Arabia for participation in the forthcoming hajj.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, the signing ceremony held in Jeddah on Sunday January 7, 2024, had in attendance key representatives from Nigeria led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Ag. Chairman/CEO of NAHCON.
The statement added that the host country’s contingent was led by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah.
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The statement said: “Prior to the MoU signing, the two Ministers held a brief discussion where Nigeria requested for a lasting solution to the shortage of tents in Mina and pressed for more favourable terms for Nigerian Carriers during Hajj airlifts. The Nigerian team also invited the Minister of Hajj and Umrah to visit Nigeria.
“In response, the Saudi Minster, Dr Rabiah, acknowledged the challenge of space in Mina and assured that efforts are being made to maximize the use of the available two Million square meters for the over two million pilgrims performing Hajj annually.
He expressed the Ministry’s support for all measures aimed at giving pilgrims the best services. Dr Rabiah accepted to visit Nigeria soon.
Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah, highlighted the importance of early monetary deposits for reserving preferred spaces in Masha’ir. This aligns with the Ministry’s updated policy of first-come, first-served.
He urged NAHCON to take advantage of this new policy to secure choice spaces in Masha’ir, The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring fairness in space allocation.
“Other participants from Nigeria include Nigerian Consul-General in Jeddah, Amb. Bello Hussaini Kazaure, senior officers from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia and NAHCON.
