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Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Partnership on Hajj, Umrah Administration

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Partnership on Hajj, Umrah Administration

    Abuja — Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the administration of Hajj and Umrah, following a historic high-level engagement held in Abuja.

    The reaffirmation was disclosed in a statement by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) in the Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman.

    According to the statement, the commitment was expressed during talks between Nigerian authorities and a Saudi delegation led by the Kingdom’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

    Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Usman described the visit as a landmark in Nigeria–Saudi relations and a strong signal of the Kingdom’s continued partnership with Nigeria in serving the “Guests of Allah.” He commended Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments in pilgrim welfare, infrastructure, safety, and service delivery.

    Usman said Saudi Vision 2030 had significantly improved the efficiency and quality of Hajj and Umrah operations globally. He also acknowledged challenges related to Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly overstaying by a segment of pilgrims.

    He said Nigeria was working with Saudi authorities to address the issue through stricter regulation of licensed operators, improved data accountability, and community-based sensitisation to ensure compliance and timely return.

    Usman reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to comply fully with all guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stressing Nigeria’s resolve to protect the integrity of Hajj and Umrah operations while safeguarding pilgrims’ interests.

    Speaking at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah was visiting Nigeria.

    “This is the first time ever that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria. It is history in the making,” Tuggar said.

    He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

    Tuggar said cooperation in Hajj and Umrah administration remains a key pillar of Nigeria–Saudi relations, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and long-standing people-to-people ties. He also called for future discussions on quota expansion in view of Nigeria’s growing population.

    In his remarks, Al-Rabiah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to institutional cooperation with Nigeria, aimed at ensuring a safe and seamless experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

    He disclosed that about 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025, with 92 per cent arriving on Umrah visas, supported by approximately 420 flights through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

    Al-Rabiah expressed optimism about preparations for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season, with emphasis on operational readiness, safety, service quality, and procedural efficiency.

    “Insha Allah, Hajj 2026 will be the best ever,” he said.

    Both sides agreed to sustain close coordination, strengthen regulatory compliance, and pursue practical solutions to enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims while preserving the integrity of Hajj and Umrah systems.

  • Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Idris Oloshogbo, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed his death, which occurred shortly after he participated in the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba.

    The board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, conveyed the news through a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.

    Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government Area, reportedly died while eating his evening meal after performing the Solat Maghrib prayer.

    Medical experts have yet to ascertain the exact cause of death, but it is suspected to be related to high blood pressure and the physical strain of the Tawaf.

    Onipede expressed the state government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos (Paradise).

    He emphasized that Oloshogbo’s death is particularly poignant as it occurred after fulfilling his intention to perform the Hajj, thereby potentially granting him the full spiritual reward of the pilgrimage.

    The deceased was buried in Makkah according to the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities, with a Janaza prayer observed by a board member, Waheed Shonibare, state officials, and fellow pilgrims at the Kaabah.

    Onipede also used this moment to caution other pilgrims about the physical demands of the rites and advised them to avoid overstressing themselves as they prepare for the more intense rituals of the Hajj.

    The last batch of pilgrims is set to proceed from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday, continuing their spiritual activities.

  • Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration On Security, Through Intelligence Sharing

    Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration On Security, Through Intelligence Sharing

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the Government of Saudi Arabia to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and trans-border terrorism, through sharing of intelligence, assuring that Nigeria intelligence community is ever ready to cooperate with them.

    Akpabio made the call while receiving in courtesy, members of the Saudi Arabia/ Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Dr Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah, in his office on Thursday.

    A release by the Special Assistant On Media to the Senate President, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, ” let me welcome you to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are very delighted to receive you here. Nigeria as a country, has a very strong diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia since 1961.”

    “Nigeria as a country needs a lot of assistance from the Saudi Arabian Government in the area of security. We can only overcome insecurity and trans-border terrorism through sharing of intelligence and I can assure you that the Nigerian security acrhitecture is also ready to cooperate with you.”

    Akpabio noted that “if you provide intelligence that would aid the fight against insurgency, you would have succeeded in making the world a safe and peaceful place for all of us to live in, because insecurity in any part of the world is insecurity everywhere in the world.”

    Speaking further, Akpabio stated that “our relationship today, has gone beyond pilgrimages and oil because Nigerians are now studying and working in Saudi Arabia in various spheres of human endeavours. The mutual economic ties and benefits are worth commending, especially in the aviation sector. I congratulate you and the government of Saudi Arabia on the stability of your economic policies that has brought about prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”

    Akpabio specifically appreciated the Saudi Arabian Government on its Vision 3030 on women’s rights and a major economic transformation in the entertainment and tourism sectors.

    “Strategically, you are very important to the world in the Gulf of Guinea and if Saudi Arabia is not stable, the entire area of the Gulf of Guinea will not be stable. Anything you do for Nigeria, is not for Nigeria alone, it is for the entire black race and that is why our bilateral relationship must be encouraged.

    “In your search for economic partners, I want you to take Nigeria as a major partner. We solicit for more investments from you in the area of Oil, Gas and ICT. We would be happy for your collaboration of relationship with OPEC because if you assist OPEC, you are helping Nigeria and the black race to secure and prevent influx of immigrants,” he stated.

    Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Dr Al- Salamah stated that their visit to Nigeria and particularly, the Senate was aimed at further strengthening its age-long bilateral relationship with Nigeria and to look for more ways of collaboration and assistance in the overall interest of the two countries.

    “We are here today to find out areas of future collaborations in terms of bilateral agreements. Nigeria is one of our very strategic partners. Nigeria is very important to Saudi Arabia. We are very proud of its people, government and culture. We are looking forward to seeing Nigeria become a very prosperous country in the area of commerce, economy and political relationship,” he declared.

  • Yobe State Declares Work-Free Day To Mourn Ex Governor

    Yobe State Declares Work-Free Day To Mourn Ex Governor

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has declared Wednesday, February 7, 2024, as a work-free day.

    The declaration aims to facilitate a three-day prayer session for the late former governor, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who passed away in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

    Governor Buni, emphasizing the significance of this period, urged the state’s residents to utilize the day in offering prayers for the peaceful repose of Sen. Ibrahim’s soul. 

    The three-day prayer sessions are scheduled to take place at the Government House Mosque in Damaturu.

    Yobe State Government has officially taken charge of the funeral and condolence rites, demonstrating a commitment to honoring the memory of the departed leader. 

    Governor Buni, accompanied by government officials and the late governor’s family, has been graciously receiving condolences from well-wishers within and beyond the state at the Government House, Damaturu.

  • Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    It has been confirmed that the former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim has passed away, aged 73 years.

    The announcement came through the official social platform of Gujba Emirate Council and was later corroborated by a reliable source within the Emirate.

    Senator Ibrahim, a seasoned politician born in October 1950, served two terms as Yobe State Governor, from January 1992 to November 1993, and later from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.

    His political journey continued with distinction as he assumed the role of Senator for Yobe East Senatorial District, a position he held from June 2007 to June 2019.

    The late statesman took his final bow at Medina Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. The nation mourns the loss of a stalwart in Nigerian politics, recognizing Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim’s enduring commitment to public service and his significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.

  • Israel-Hamas War Can Cause ‘Serious’ Global Economic Damages – World Bank

    Israel-Hamas War Can Cause ‘Serious’ Global Economic Damages – World Bank

    The war between Israel and Hamas could deal a “serious” blow to global economic development, the president of the World Bank told an investor conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

    “What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza — at the end of the day you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious,” Ajay Banga said, adding: “I think we’re at a very dangerous juncture.”

    Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

    The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities’ latest count.

    The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners.

    More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in retaliatory Israeli bombardments, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

    Banga was speaking at the annual Future Investment Initiative, often referred to as “Davos in the Desert”.

    More than 6,000 delegates are registered for the three-day event that will feature appearances by global banking chiefs and the presidents of South Korea, Kenya and Rwanda, organisers say.

    The shocking violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out.

    Saudi Arabia has in recent weeks condemned violence against civilians in Gaza and affirmed its support for the Palestinian cause.

    A source familiar with discussions on possible normalisation with Israel told AFP this month that the process had been paused.

    The war comes halfway through the Vision 2030 reform agenda championed by the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which is intended to transition the world’s biggest crude oil exporter away from fossil fuels.

    Saudi officials have signalled they intend to forge ahead with their reform plans despite fears of wider regional turmoil.

    In addition to FII, the capital this week is also hosting its first fashion week and a boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

    On Monday, Prince Mohammed announced plans to host the first eSports World Cup next summer.

    The FII opening ceremony featured a vocal performance by Britain’s Got Talent contestant Malakai Bayoh as a giant dove flashed on a screen behind him.

    Yasir al-Rumayyan, governor of the deep-pocketed Saudi Public Investment Fund, referred only obliquely to the Israel-Hamas war in his comments on Tuesday, though he did warn about challenges presented by high interest rates.

    “As central banks have tightened monetary policy in an effort to slow inflation, business and governments around the world have been adjusting to this new reality. This has been the fastest rate increase since the early 1980s and has caused significant and unpredictable disruptions,” he said.

    Yet he voiced optimism that “even in a high interest rate environment we can see the acceleration of growth and productivity”.

  • 2023 Hajj: 14 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has revealed that Nigeria lost 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia from the beginning of ongoing 2023 hajj operation to date.

    Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team made this known during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Galadima explained that seven pilgrims died before Arafat, six died during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period) and additional one person died after the Arafat.

    “We had six reported death at Mashair, four died in Arafat and the other two died in Mina. Already we lost seven pilgrims before Arafat and just now I have just been informed that we lost another pilgrim. This brings the total of deaths recorded to 14.

    “The mortality rate is similar to that of 2019,” he said.

    He also revealed that the medical team recorded three cases of chickenpox during the core hajj period and the affected pilgrims were immediately moved out of the area as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the disease.

    Galadima also disclosed that the team recorded two deliveries during the period of the hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, adding that one of the pregnant women delivered on the road, while the second one was brought to the clinic and delivered safely.

    He emphasised the need for a thorough pre-hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness.

    He also said that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should be discouraged from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat because of the stress involved.

    In his presentation, the NAHCON Head of Aviation, Alhaji Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transport of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begins on Tuesday, July 4.

    He said the policy of first in, first out would strictly be applied in the evacuation of the pilgrims back to Nigeria.

    He further stated that the Saudi authorities have a policy that in the first two weeks, the air carriers would not operate maximally due to the volume of traffic and a large number of aircraft involved in the evacuation of pilgrims from different countries, as well as the fact that virtually all planes will take off from one Airport, the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

    He stated that in the first two weeks of the start of the transportation of pilgrims, Flynas would only utilise four of its six aircraft for the operation, adding that the other two are undergoing some checks and maintenance.

    Also, the Commissioner, Operations of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, said the commission had resolved to ensure that pilgrims fully obey its luggage policy during their return journey to Nigeria.

    He recalled that in 2022, there was a breach, but pledged that such breaches would not be tolerated this year, so as to have a seamless operation.

    He decried the attitude of some pilgrims, particularly the females, who go to the airport with multiple bags all in the name of hand luggage, warning that this time the situation would not be accepted.

    He therefore called on officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid any inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport.

    “The airline operators have bitterly complained about this untoward behavior of some pilgrims, which put the lives of other passengers in the aircraft at risk. This time it will not be business as usual.

    “And for fear of losing some valuables at the airport, the pilgrims should abide by the 32kg luggage policy, or they should avail themselves with the cargo window.”