Nigeria appeals to Saudi Arabia for increased Hajj quota amid rising demand
Nigeria has appealed to the Saudi Arabian government to increase its quota for Hajj pilgrims due to the growing demand from Nigerians wishing to undertake the religious journey.
The appeal was made by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Yahaya Lawal, during an interview at the Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.
The Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, was updating the delegates from OIC countries on the arrangements and facilities for the 2023 Hajj.
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Al-Rabiah highlighted the achievements in Hajj development carried out by the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience for the global Muslim community, which comprises 1.5 billion people.
He also mentioned the Nigerian submission to include Nigeria in the Makkah Route Initiative, which currently includes seven countries.
Alhaji Yahaya stated that Nigeria currently ranks fourth or fifth in terms of the number of pilgrims participating in Umrah and Hajj exercises in the Kingdom each year.
He emphasized the importance of Nigerian pilgrims being good ambassadors of their country and religion, urging them to abide by the rules and regulations in Saudi Arabia and maintain respectful interactions.
The envoy reiterated his advice for Nigerian pilgrims to seize the opportunity provided by Allah and maximize the temporal and spiritual benefits of the Hajj exercise.
He also encouraged them to make full use of the facilities available to ensure their comfort, well-being, and ease of performing the Hajj rites and other religious activities.
