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.
This involved representatives of the ministry and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and 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 simulated proper handling of certain medical emergencies during the peak period of Hajj.
Responding, the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, said the engagement was a good opportunity for Saudi authorities, field officers of the commission, and states to synergise for effective Hajj operation.
Yusuf, who was represented by Ishaq Ja’e, his Technical Assistant, described the three parties as the main players in ensuring proper performance of the Hajj rites.
He said: “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.”
Yusuf 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 State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, described the engagement as an opportunity to share knowledge with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials.
Saliu said: “We came to refresh our minds on the 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 ministry and all questions have been answered to our satisfaction.”
Dr. Abubakar Agbaje, a member of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said that the engagement was an eye-opener for Hajj officials across the states.
Agbaje said: “Without this programme, it is like a blind man leading another blind man if the officials lack proper information on how to even help the pilgrims.
“The Minister 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 commended NAHCON for consistently handling Hajj efficiently.
Agbaje added: “In the past, we always say that the commission has done well, we mentioned it and this year again, from all indications we are going to have better outcomes than the previous years.”
