NAHCON, Saudi Arabia sign 2027 Hajj deal, to improve services

The MoU establishes a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the pilgrimage, including country quota allocation, compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations, and adherence to operational deadlines.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj, establishing a framework for improved pilgrimage arrangements and better welfare services for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Saudi Arabia was represented by its Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

Shafii Mohammed, head of Information and Publications at NAHCON, said in a statement on Tuesday that the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the two countries, improve service delivery, and better protect Nigerian pilgrims’ welfare ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

Read the full statement:

NAHCON, SAUDI ARABIA SEAL 2027 HAJJ MoU, SET STAGE FOR IMPROVED PILGRIMAGE OPERATIONS

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 10th November 2026

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, laying the groundwork for improved pilgrimage operations.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 10th November 2026, in Jeddah at the prestigious Super Dome by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on behalf of Nigeria, while the Saudi Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.

The MoU establishes a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the pilgrimage, including country quota allocation, compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations, adherence to operational deadlines and cooperation on essential services such as accommodation, transportation and healthcare. It also provides a basis for closer engagement between the two countries to address logistical challenges, monitor service standards, and protect pilgrims’ welfare.

Speaking at the event, Mr Yusuf commended the Saudi Government and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah for their continued investment in pilgrims’ infrastructure, the significant improvements in pilgrimage arrangements, and sustained constructive engagement with Nigeria.

He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to align with these achievements through stronger institutional collaboration and better services for Nigerian pilgrims.

In his remarks, Dr Mashat disclosed that the Kingdom recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj and applauded Nigeria for contributing to the achievement. On arrangements for the 2027 Hajj, the minister commended Nigeria for meeting all established timelines while encouraging NAHCON to sustain the milestone.

The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by Hon. Jafar Mohammed, Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, alongside other senior officials.

To give effect to the agreement, NAHCON will coordinate with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to align operational arrangements, strengthen service monitoring and address potential challenges before the commencement of the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.

Signed

Shafii Sani Mohammed
Head, Information and Publications, NAHCON