Nigeria has officially signed the 2026 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia, marking the country’s formal participation in next year’s pilgrimage.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria during a ceremony held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He was accompanied by commissioners of the commission and leaders of the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.

In a related development, NAHCON has completed an assessment of accommodation and catering facilities in Madinah as part of its early preparations for the 2026 Hajj.

The three-day inspection, conducted from November 3 to 5, was led by the Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services, Professor Abubakar Yagawal.

According to NAHCON, the delegation comprised representatives from the Office of the Vice-President, NAHCON Board members, the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards Forum, and senior management staff of the Commission.

“The exercise was aimed at ensuring that service providers meet both Saudi Arabia’s regulations and NAHCON’s standards for accommodation and feeding of Nigerian pilgrims,” Professor Yagawal explained.

He added that the on-the-spot inspections of hotels and catering centres were part of efforts to enhance pilgrims’ welfare and improve the overall Hajj experience.

Observers say the early preparations reflect NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and well-organised 2026 Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.