FG Strengthens Hajj Administration with NAHCON Collaboration

On July 23, 2026, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This commitment aims to ensure efficient Hajj administration, enhanced consular services, and improved welfare for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During a courtesy visit from NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, he congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in Hajj operations. Yusuf reported on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj, attributing improvements to stricter due diligence and accountability measures.

He noted that preparations for the 2027 Hajj have begun, with Nigeria allocated about 50,000 pilgrimage slots. Yusuf also discussed a proposed transition to a private tour operator model for Hajj operations, stressing the need for careful implementation.

The annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is set to be signed in November 2026.