- Nigeria signs an MoU with Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, addressing concerns about tent shortage and carrier terms
- Discussions between Nigerian and Saudi authorities aim to ensure a well-organized Hajj experience, with a commitment to resolve challenges
In a step towards the smooth execution of the 2024 Hajj, Nigeria has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian authorities.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
Under the auspices of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Nigeria has affirmed its dedication to a seamless Hajj by signing the 2024 (1445AH) Hajj Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The ceremony, conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed the presence of key Nigerian representatives, including Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Malam Jalal Arabi, the acting Chairman of NAHCON.
Leading the host country’s delegation was Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, who highlighted the occasion’s significance.
Before the MoU signing, the ministers engaged in brief discussions. Nigeria articulated concerns regarding the shortage of tents in Muna, seeking a lasting solution. Additionally, the Nigerian government advocated for more favourable terms for the transportation of pilgrims during the holy pilgrimage.
Sanda-Usara quoted the Saudi Minister, acknowledging the space challenge in Muna and assuring ongoing efforts to maximize the utilization of the available two million square meters for the over two million annual Hajj pilgrims. The minister expressed support for measures aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ services.
Key participants in the meeting included Malam Bello Kazaure, the Nigerian Consul-General in Jeddah, senior officers from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia, and representatives from NAHCON.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Saudi Arabian Ministry for Hajj and Umrah has allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 holy pilgrimage, underscoring the strength of the bilateral collaboration.
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