Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining arrangements for the 2027 Hajj, establishing a framework for the organisation and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage by Nigerian Muslims.

The agreement was signed in Jeddah by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat.

According to a statement issued by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed, the agreement covers Nigeria’s Hajj quota, compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations, operational deadlines and arrangements for essential services.

These include accommodation, transportation, healthcare and other logistical requirements aimed at ensuring the welfare and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

The MoU also provides for closer coordination between the two countries and the monitoring of services to ensure that agreed standards are maintained during the 2027 Hajj exercise.

Speaking after the signing, Ambassador Yusuf commended the Saudi authorities for their continued investment in Hajj infrastructure and improvements in services provided to pilgrims.

He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with relevant Saudi institutions to improve the overall pilgrimage experience for Nigerians.

In his remarks, Dr Mashat disclosed that Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj. He also commended Nigeria for meeting operational timelines and urged NAHCON to sustain the standard in subsequent pilgrimage exercises.

Following the agreement, NAHCON is expected to engage state Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to implement the provisions of the MoU.

The commission’s preparations will focus on ensuring that necessary arrangements are completed within the stipulated timelines ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

The agreement marks an important step in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the next Hajj exercise, with emphasis on effective coordination, regulatory compliance and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a 2027 Hajj MoU covering pilgrimage quotas, accommodation, transportation, healthcare and improved services for Nigerian pilgrims.