Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian authorities towards the smooth conduct of the 2024 Hajj.
The Assistant Director, Mrs Fatima Sanda-Usara, Public Affairs, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
”Nigeria under the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), solidified its commitment to a seamless Hajj by signing the 2024 (1445AH) Hajj Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
”The ceremony was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and had in attendance key representatives of Nigeria led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar and Malam Jalal Arabi, the acting Chairman of NAHCON.
”The host country’s contingent was led by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Taufiq Al-Rabiah,” she said.
According to her, prior to the signing of the MoU, the two ministers held brief discussions where Nigeria requested for a lasting solution to the shortage of tents in Muna.
She added that the Nigerian government also pressed for more favourable terms for the country’s carriers during transportation of pilgrims for the holy pilgrimage.
She explained that the Nigerian team also invited the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah for a visit to the country.
Sanda-Usara quoted the Saudi minister as acknowledging the challenge of space in Muna and assuring that efforts were being made to maximise the use of the available two million square metres for the over two million pilgrims that performs Hajj annually.
He expressed the Ministry’s support for all measures aimed at giving pilgrims the best services and accepted to visit Nigeria soon.