The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, with a commitment to improving pilgrimage operations and ensuring better services for Nigerian pilgrims.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on behalf of Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.
The agreement provides a framework for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 Hajj, covering pilgrims’ quota allocation, compliance with Saudi regulations, operational deadlines, accommodation, transportation and healthcare services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Yusuf commended the Saudi Government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for sustained investment in pilgrimage infrastructure, improvements in Hajj arrangements and continued cooperation with Nigeria.
NAHCON and Saudi Sign 2027 Hajj Agreement
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and improving services for Nigerian pilgrims.
In his remarks, Dr. Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj, acknowledging Nigeria’s contribution to the achievement.
He also commended Nigeria for meeting established operational timelines ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage and urged NAHCON to sustain the progress.
The ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Honourable Jafar Mohammed, alongside other senior officials.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.
Following the agreement, NAHCON is expected to work with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to coordinate preparations, monitor service delivery and address potential challenges ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
