11 November 2026 — Nigeria and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding in Jeddah on 10 November to coordinate accommodation, transport and healthcare for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj.
Ismail Abba Yusuf, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), signed for Nigeria. Saudi Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat signed for Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON said the agreement also sets out how the two countries will coordinate Nigeria’s pilgrim allocation and meet Saudi regulations and operational deadlines. The commission said it would work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators and Saudi authorities to plan services and monitor standards ahead of the pilgrimage.
What intending pilgrims should know
In September, NAHCON said Saudi Arabia had declined Nigeria’s request for additional slots. The commission had set 26 September 2026 as the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data. The 10 November signing announcement gave no revised quota figure or new registration window.
NAHCON announced fares separately before the signing. The signing announcement gave no new fare or payment deadline. Intending pilgrims can check the latest official notices and confirm applicable payment instructions with their state pilgrims’ welfare board. NAHCON official notices