Saudi Advance Team Touches Down in Abuja Ahead of High-Level Hajj Talks
By Shafii Sani Mohammed
A Saudi Arabian advance delegation has arrived in Abuja to lay the groundwork for the upcoming official visit of the Kingdom’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabbiah, scheduled for February 3, 2026. The visit forms part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Hajj.
Led by Prof. Dr Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, the team landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport today, where they were received by a National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) delegation headed by Commissioner for Operations Prince Anofiu Elegushi. The reception also included officials from Nigeria’s embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to NAHCON, the team will begin preliminary engagements ahead of the Minister’s arrival, which will include strategic meetings with Nigerian authorities. One of the key engagements expected during the visit is a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with Commissioners and senior management, is returning to Nigeria following a successful pre-Hajj assessment mission to Saudi Arabia to firm up operational plans for 2026.
Members of the Saudi advance delegation include
Mr Azzam Harakati (International Relations),
Mr Bandar Al-Sheikhi (Hajj Operations),
Mr Khaled Al-Furaidi (Protocol and Ceremonies),
Mr Abdullah Zarei (Umrah Markets),
Mr. Mohammed Al-Nouri (G2G–G2B Relations),
Mr Ali Al-Manbahi (Guest Experience & Strategic Development) and
Mr Abdulwahab Al-Qarni (Awareness & Media).
The visit highlights the deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as both countries work jointly to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj exercise.
