The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure seamless Hajj administration, robust consular support, and superior welfare for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

?The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, during a courtesy visit to the ministry.

?Congratulating the Minister of State on his appointment, Ambassador Yusuf highlighted the vital role of diplomacy in coordinating the annual pilgrimage of over 50,000 Nigerian citizens.

Briefing the minister on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj, the NAHCON boss attributed the improved performance to rigorous due diligence in selecting service providers, enhanced contract management, and stricter accountability measures.

?He disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj are already underway following Saudi Arabia's allocation of 50,000 pilgrimage slots to Nigeria, adding that the official 2027 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities will be signed in November 2026.

?Addressing Saudi Arabia’s proposed transition toward a private tour operator model, Ambassador Yusuf advocated for a gradual, phased approach tailored to Nigeria's demographic landscape, digital infrastructure, and operator readiness.

He assured that NAHCON would maintain constructive dialogue with Saudi officials to protect national interests.

?In response, Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended NAHCON’s professionalism and meticulous planning during the 2026 exercise.

He pledged the Ministry's full backing on all consular, diplomatic, and bilateral negotiations, emphasizing that sustained diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia remains critical to smooth operations.

?Both leaders agreed to implement stricter medical screenings, expand public education on Saudi travel regulations, and collaborate closely on emerging Saudi logistics reforms to consistently safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.