Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding for the 2027 Hajj, putting in place the framework that will guide how Nigerian pilgrims are received, housed, moved and cared for during next year's pilgrimage. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at the Super Dome in Jeddah.

Who signed the agreement

Nigeria was represented by Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, chairman and chief executive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), who signed on behalf of the country. Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, signed for the Kingdom. Details were released in a statement by NAHCON's Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.

What the agreement covers

The memorandum sets out the terms for Nigeria's participation in the 2027 pilgrimage. It covers the allocation of the country's Hajj quota, compliance with Saudi regulations, the deadlines operators must respect, and arrangements for essential services including accommodation, transportation and healthcare. It also provides for closer cooperation to address logistical challenges, monitor service standards and safeguard pilgrims' welfare.

Praise for Nigeria's preparations

Mashat said Saudi Arabia recorded a 93 per cent pilgrim satisfaction rate during the 2026 Hajj and commended Nigeria's contribution to that result. He also praised Nigeria for meeting established deadlines and urged NAHCON to sustain the performance. Yusuf commended the Saudi government and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah for sustained investment in pilgrimage infrastructure, and reaffirmed NAHCON's commitment to stronger institutional collaboration and improved services for Nigerian pilgrims.

What happens next

The signing ceremony was attended by Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and members of the National Assembly, led by the chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Pilgrimage, Jafar Mohammed. NAHCON said it would now work with State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Boards, licensed Hajj tour operators and relevant Saudi institutions to implement the agreement. Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 places for Nigeria on 1 October, raising the country's 2027 Hajj quota from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.