By Kadiri Abdulrahman
Makkah, May 19, 2026 (NAN) Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, on Monday engaged the Nigerian Hajj authorities on how to properly guide pilgrims in the performance of the spiritual rites in the Kingdom.
The engagement involved officials of the ministry, representatives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and some states pilgrims Welfare boards.
The Saudi authorities advised the Nigerian officials to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims always carried proper means of identification anywhere they found themselves within the Kingdom.
They specifically emphasised the need for pilgrims to always move around with their Nusuk cards to avoid harassment from law enforcement personnel.
They described the Nusuk card as a mandatory permit for performing Hajj for pilgrims from within or outside the Kingdom.
They said that the Nusuk card was also important in locating pilgrims who might get missing in the crowd during the peak period of the Hajj exercise.
The engagement also involved simulation on proper handling of certain medical emergencies during the peak period of Hajj.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Deputy Makkah Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mallam Ibrahim Idris, alongside representatives from various State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Commissions and Agencies.
Idris assured the Saudi authorities of the full cooperation of the Nigerian contingent.
Ishaq Ja’e, Technical Assistant to the NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, said that Nigerian pilgrims and officials would continue to comply with all policies, regulations and operational guidelines of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia throughout the Hajj exercise.
Ja’e said that the engagement was a good opportunity for Saudi authorities, field officers of the commission, and states to synergise for effective Hajj operation.
He described the three parties as the main players in ensuring proper performance of the Hajj rites.
“It is an interesting introduction by the Ministry of Hajj and it brought together all the major players.
“The simulations will greatly assist in preparing for the outing in Mashair. It is a commendable effort by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” he said.
He urged the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to work closer with the field officers and ensure a smooth and free Hajj exercise.
Malam Abubakar Saliu, the Acting Executive Chairman, Adamawa Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission described the engagementas as an opportunity to share knowledge with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials.
“We came to refresh our minds on our plans and to also understand the plans of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as regards what to expect this year.
“We have learnt a lot. We have also shared our concerns with the the ministry and all questions have been answered to our satisfaction,” he said.
Dr Abubakar Agbaje, member of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said that the engagement was an eye-opener for Hajj officials across the states.
“Without this programme, it is like a blind man leading another blind man.
“That is is what will happen if the officials lack proper information on how to even help the pilgrims.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah here in Saudi Arabia is trying to improve on it, by bringing officials together and teaching them how to handle certain situations.
“The outcomes for the 2026 Hajj operation will be excellent, because everybody is prepared and the plans have been rolled out early for everybody’s understanding,” he said.
He commended NAHCON for consistently handling Hajj efficiently.
“In the past, we always say that the commission has done well, and this year again, from all indications we are going to have better outcomes than the previous years.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
