The ceremony was attended by NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Usman, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj Abdulfatah Mashat, Ahmed Sule from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Badr Al-Sulami, special adviser to the Saudi Vice Minister of Hajj.
According to Ahmed Mua’zu, media assistant to the NAHCON Chairman, the MoU lays out a detailed operational framework for Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Hajj. This includes pilgrim slot allocations, service contracts, camp bookings, visa procedures, welfare standards, and timelines for operational readiness. Camp booking payments are scheduled for 4 January 2026, while transport and accommodation details must be uploaded to the Nusuk/Masar digital platform by 1 February 2026.
“Under the agreement, both Saudi and Nigerian authorities are committed to maintaining high-quality services for pilgrims, covering transportation, accommodation, catering, medical support, and safety logistics,” Mua’zu said. “The MoU also establishes joint monitoring mechanisms, accountability audits, and dispute resolution frameworks to ensure compliance and service delivery.”
Prof. Usman described the MoU as a “critical milestone” that strengthens Nigeria’s readiness for a better-organized Hajj operation in 2026. He assured that NAHCON remains committed to pilgrim welfare, transparency, and strict adherence to Saudi guidelines, emphasizing that Nigerian pilgrims will benefit from enhanced logistics, digital processing, and timely coordination with service providers.
Preparation for the 2026 pilgrimage has been in top gear in the months preceding the MoU. NAHCON conducted strategic meetings with Saudi authorities and service providers in Makkah and Madinah, focusing on camp arrangements, flight scheduling, catering improvements, and integration with Saudi digital platforms to streamline registration and monitoring.
Health and safety measures were also discussed, including mandatory medical screenings and efficient movement plans for pilgrims. Saudi officials reiterated strict deadlines and the importance of using official e-platforms for payments and documentation, warning that only pilgrims with valid Hajj visas will be allowed to perform the rites.
Officials say the 2026 Hajj MoU represents a renewed phase of cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.