By Joy Odor
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)on the 2025 Hajj and to ensure the exercise receive adequate services and support.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of Nigeria, while the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
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In a press statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to Minister of Foreign Affairs and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Amb Tuggar was represented at the signing ceremony by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
The statement listed the key activities to include the bilateral meeting and MoU signing, fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in preparations for the 2025 Hajj and, building on the previous agreements.
According to the statement, these agreements outline the responsibilities and expectations of both nations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive adequate services and support during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
It also ensured Nigerian pilgrims have a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience and facilities collaboration on various aspects, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare services, thereby enhancing the overall welfare of the pilgrims.
The platform, he said will bring all stakeholders across sectors together to enhance the Hajj experience and elevate the quality of services offered to pilgrims.
“Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding tradition of signing annual Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate the smooth conduct of Hajj pilgrimages for Nigerian Muslims.
The event was witnessed by Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Senator Aliyu Ikara Bilbis, Hon. Jafar Shatiman Borgu, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, Amb Mahmud Lele and CDA Riyadh Dr Modibo Umar.
