Nigeria has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide a lasting solution to the shortage of tents in Mina and pressed for more favourable terms for Nigerian carriers during Hajj airlifts.
The request was formally made when the two countries on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at having a seamless Hajj exercise this year.
The MoU was signed between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director for Public Affairs at the NAHCON, said the signing of the MoU has solidified Nigeria’s commitment to a seamless Hajj exercise.
She revealed that the signing ceremony, which took place in Jeddah, had in attendance key representatives from Nigeria led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Ag. Chairman/CEO of NAHCON.
She said the host country’s contingent was led by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah.
According to the NAHCON spokesperson, prior to the MoU signing, the two ministers had held a brief discussion where Nigeria requested a lasting solution to the shortage of tents in Mina and pressed for more favourable terms for Nigerian carriers during Hajj airlifts.
The Nigerian team also invited the Saudi minister to Nigeria.
In his response, Dr Rabiah acknowledged the challenge of space in Mina and assured that efforts are being made to maximise the use of the available two million square meters for the over two million pilgrims performing Hajj annually.
He expressed the ministry’s support for all measures aimed at giving pilgrims the best services.
Rabiah has accepted to visit Nigeria soon, she said.
Other participants from Nigeria include the Nigerian Consul-General in Jeddah, Amb. Bello Hussaini Kazaure, and senior officers from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia, as well as NAHCON officials.