Saudi Arabia says 76,000 slots would be maintained for Nigerian pilgrims

oge okonkwo

March 20, 2015 6:54 PM

The statement explained that Saudi Arabia's decision to allot 76,000 slots to Nigeria was as a result of the ongoing renovation work at the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah

Hajj pilgrims at the airport

The Saudi Arabia Minister of Hajj Affairs, Bandar bin Hajai, announced on Friday that Nigeria would maintain her 76,000 quota in the forthcoming Hajj.

Bandar stated this in a statement after a joint meeting between him and the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, in preparation for this year’s Hajj.

The statement explained that the ministry’s decision to allot 76,000 slots to Nigeria was as a result of the ongoing renovation work at the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

It, however, quoted the minister as saying Nigeria could request more slots for consideration by the Saudi government.

The statement said both ministers had admitted that last year’s Hajj was successful and that this year’s would be better.

It added that the two ministers pledged to work closely in ensuring that the pilgrims performed their religious rites in comfort and safety.

The statement said Wali expressed his gratitude and that of Nigerians to the custodian of the two Holy mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for always ensuring that pilgrims performed their religious obligations in safety.

oge okonkwo