By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
As preparation for the 2025 Hajj exercise gets underway, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia to facilitate seamless Hajj in 2025.
A statement by Abdulkadir Alkasim, Media Aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar facilitated the signing of the MoU but Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) signed for Nigeria while the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
Alkasim explains that the MoU will facilitate the smooth conduct of Hajj pilgrimages for Nigerian pilgrims as they outline the responsibilities and expectations of both nations, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare services, thereby enhancing the overall welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Aliyu Ikara Bilbis, Jafar Shatiman Borgu, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya among other government officials.
