The Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has urged Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of both Islam and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo Umar, made the call during the Pre-Arafah Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah.
Dr. Modibbo emphasised the importance of respecting the laws and customs of the host country, noting that adherence to these regulations would help ensure a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. He commended NAHCON for its effective coordination and management of this year’s Hajj operations, describing the efforts as commendable and largely free of conflict.
“The Commission has done an impressive job so far, and I am hopeful that the progress recorded will be sustained throughout the remaining phases of the Hajj exercise,” he said.
He also revealed that the Nigerian Embassy, in collaboration with NAHCON and the Saudi authorities, is working to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims, ensuring the 2025 Hajj is more seamless and comfortable than in previous years. According to him, no serious incidents involving Nigerian pilgrims have been reported so far.
Dr. Modibbo urged pilgrims to remember Nigeria in their prayers, stressing the importance of interceding for the nation’s peace, stability, and leadership. “We have no other country than Nigeria. It is vital that we continue to pray for our nation’s progress and the guidance of its leaders,” he said.
Addressing the recent incident involving Islamic cleric Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, who was denied entry into Saudi Arabia despite having a valid visa, Dr. Modibbo stated that the Nigerian Embassy has officially requested clarification from the Saudi authorities.
“It was both surprising and confusing. As a Nigerian citizen, Dr. Gumi deserves our consular support. We have asked for a full explanation from the relevant Saudi authorities and are currently awaiting their response,” he added.