NAHCON, Saudi Arabia sign 2027 Hajj MoU, promise improved pilgrimage operations
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj, paving the way for improved pilgrimage arrangements and services for Nigerian pilgrims.
Alhaji Shafii Sani Mohammed
Head, Information and Publications
NAHCON disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at the Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by NAHCON Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on behalf of Nigeria, and the Saudi Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, on behalf of the Kingdom.
The MoU provides a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage, covering quota allocation, compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations, operational deadlines and essential services, including accommodation, transportation and healthcare.
It also provides for closer cooperation between both countries to address logistical challenges, monitor service delivery and safeguard the welfare of pilgrims.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Yusuf commended the Saudi Government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for sustained investment in pilgrimage infrastructure, improved Hajj arrangements and continued cooperation with Nigeria.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
In his remarks, Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, commending Nigeria for its contribution to the achievement.
He also praised Nigeria for meeting established operational deadlines for the 2027 Hajj preparations and urged NAHCON to sustain the performance.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by the Chairman, House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Hon. Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.
Following the agreement, NAHCON will engage State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to harmonise operational arrangements, strengthen service monitoring and address potential challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
