By Shafii Sani Mohammed
The Saudi Arabian Advance Team, led by Prof. Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, has arrived in Nigeria in preparation for the official visit of the Honourable Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabbiah, scheduled for 3rd February 2026, as part of efforts towards the successful participation and execution of the 2026 Hajj.
The delegation was received on 20th January 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by a Nigerian delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) led by the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, alongside officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mohammed Bakar, Third Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Advance Team is expected to commence groundwork for a series of diplomatic engagements and meetings, which will be attended by the Honourable Minister of Hajj and Umrah upon his arrival in Nigeria, including a courtesy meeting with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima.
Meanwhile, the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside some Commissioners and Management staff of the Commission, is on his way back to Nigeria following the successful completion of a Pre-Hajj Preparatory Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaken in furtherance of arrangements for the 2026 Hajj.
Members of the Saudi Advance Team 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), Mr. Ali Al-Manbahi (Guest Experience and Strategic Development), and Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Qarni (Awareness and Media).
The visit underscores the strong collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria aimed at ensuring a smooth, efficient, and successful 2026 Hajj exercise.