The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Mamman Tuggar, on Sunday, led a delegation of officials from the ministry and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), including the commission’s Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, to sign the 2024 (1445AH) Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The signing of the MoU with the Saudi authorities, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a release signed by NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Tribune Online, signified Nigeria’s commitment to a seamless Hajj exercise this year.
Usara informed that Saudi’s contingent was led by its Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Taufiq Al-Rabiah.
Prior to signing the MoU, the two ministers held a brief discussion where Nigeria requested for a lasting solution to the shortage of tents in Mina and pressed for more favourable terms for Nigerian airlines during airlift operations.
The Nigerian team also invited the Minister of Hajj and Umrah to visit Nigeria.
Responding, Dr Al-Rabiah acknowledged the challenge of space in Mina and assured that efforts are being made to maximise the use of the available two million square metres for the over two million pilgrims performing Hajj annually.
He, however, highlighted the importance of early monetary deposits for reserving preferred spaces at Masha’ir (holy sites).
This, he said, aligned with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s updated policy of first come, first serve, which he noted was part of Saudi authorities’ commitment to ensuring fairness in space allocation.
The Saudi minister, therefore, urged NAHCON to take advantage of this new policy to secure choice spaces at the Masha’ir.
While expressing his ministry’s support for all measures aimed at giving pilgrims the best services, Al-Rabiah agreed to visit Nigeria soon.
Usara informed that other participants from Nigeria at the signing of the MoU included Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Bello Hussaini Kazaure, senior officers from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia and NAHCON.
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