The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strengthened collaboration to enforce the “No Hajj Without Permit” policy introduced by the Saudi authorities to regulate pilgrimage exercise in the Kingdom.

Indications to this development emerged on Tuesday when Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, paid a visit to his Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the first official visit of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria.

Recall that the Saudi Ministry of Interior strictly enforces a “No Hajj Without Permit” policy, requiring all citizens, residents, and international visitors to possess a valid permit to perform Hajj, aiming for a safe, organised, and secure pilgrimage. Violators face fines up to SAR 20,000, deportation, and a 10-year ban, with stiffer penalties for those assisting illegal pilgrims.

During the meeting, both countries expressed commitment to strengthen bilateral relations to boost cooperation in pilgrimage administration and consular services to the Holy land, a development described as a milestone in the long-standing diplomatic and religious relations by both countries.

Welcoming the Saudi delegation, Tuggar, in his remarks, noted that the visit underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, particularly in facilitating pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

He commended the Kingdom for reforms and investments in pilgrimage infrastructure, digitalisation and safety systems, which have significantly improved the experience of pilgrims worldwide.

He said, “This is a very historic occasion. This is the first time ever that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria,” adding that the two countries shared strong cultural, spiritual and diplomatic connections that have flourished across political, economic and religious spheres over decades.

Tuggar delivered the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to Saudi Arabia’s leadership, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting that Nigeria values its relationship with the Kingdom.

The Nigerian minister said cooperation in Hajj and Umrah administration remains one of the most critical aspects of Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relations, as both countries work together to ensure the safety, welfare and spiritual fulfillment of pilgrims.

He also noted that Nigeria had introduced new measures to tackle consular challenges, particularly issues linked to Umrah visa overstays by some Nigerian citizens.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) had approved an end-to-end strategic solution aimed at addressing the challenge, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Saudi authorities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

In his remarks, Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, emphasised Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen institutional collaboration with Nigeria to ensure safer and more seamless pilgrimage experiences.

He disclosed that about 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025, with 92 per cent travelling through official Umrah visas, adding that Nigerian pilgrims were transported through approximately 420 direct flights that arrived through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah during the period.

The Saudi minister disclosed that the Kingdom was committed to building on the progress, particularly in preparations for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season, even as he advised strict adherence to the “No Hajj Without Permit” policy.

“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah places great importance on enhancing institutional cooperation with our brothers in Nigeria in a manner that contributes to providing a smooth and safe experience for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, who gave the closing remarks, described the visit as a strong symbol of the enduring partnership between both countries.

He added that Nigerian pilgrims have benefited significantly from Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments in infrastructure development, safety systems and digital technologies deployed to enhance pilgrimage operations (LEADERSHIP)

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