The Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has urged Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj to be exemplary ambassadors of Islam and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Riyadh, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo Umar, made the call during a pre-Arafah stakeholders’ meeting organized by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah.
Dr. Modibbo emphasized the importance of abiding by the laws and cultural expectations of the host country to enable pilgrims perform their religious obligations peacefully and without difficulty. He commended NAHCON’s efforts in ensuring a seamless Hajj operation so far, noting that the Commission had executed the first phase of the exercise commendably.
“We are hopeful that the successes recorded so far will be consolidated until the conclusion of the operation,” he stated.
He also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Embassy, NAHCON, and Saudi authorities to ensure a peaceful, comfortable, and hitch-free pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims this year, surpassing previous experiences.
The envoy confirmed that no serious incidents or misdemeanors involving Nigerian pilgrims had been reported to the Embassy, describing this as a welcome development.
Dr. Modibbo called on pilgrims to remember Nigeria in their prayers, noting that the country was in need of divine intervention to overcome its socio-economic, political, and security challenges. “You do not have another country besides Nigeria,” he reminded the pilgrims.
Addressing the issue of the denial of entry into Saudi Arabia for Islamic scholar Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gummi, the Nigerian envoy said the Embassy had formally written to the Saudi authorities seeking clarification.
“It was surprising and confusing that he was issued a visa, only to be denied entry at the point of arrival. As a Nigerian citizen, it is our duty to request an official explanation, and we are currently awaiting a response from the Saudi authorities,” he added.
