The city of Madinah has opened its arms once again to pilgrims from across the world, including thousands from Nigeria, providing a serene, secure, and well-organized environment as this year’s Hajj activities begin in earnest.
Upon arrival at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Nigerian pilgrims were greeted with exceptional hospitality by Saudi authorities, who ensured that immigration, health screening, and luggage procedures were conducted swiftly and efficiently. The tranquil atmosphere in the city is already helping pilgrims settle in smoothly as they prepare to perform their religious rites.
Officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that all arrangements put in place by Saudi Arabia are functioning seamlessly, from transportation and accommodation to health and safety monitoring. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the level of organization and coordination, praising the efforts of both Nigerian and Saudi authorities in ensuring a stress-free transition into the Holy City.
“The atmosphere is peaceful, the security is reassuring, and the hospitality extended to us has been nothing short of excellent,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, one of the Nigerian pilgrims from Kano State. “We feel spiritually uplifted and safe.”
Madinah, home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid An-Nabawi), remains a central destination for pilgrims who arrive before heading to Makkah for the core Hajj rites. Saudi officials have deployed thousands of volunteers and staff to guide pilgrims, manage crowd movement, and respond to health needs. Emergency medical services are on standby around key religious sites.
Nigeria’s acting ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo Umar, who received the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims earlier in the week, reiterated the importance of compliance with Saudi guidelines to ensure pilgrims complete their Hajj rites without incident. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has gone to great lengths to make the Hajj smooth for all. Nigerian pilgrims must remain disciplined and vigilant while enjoying the spiritual blessings of this sacred journey,” he said.
The positive reception in Madinah sets a promising tone for the remainder of the Hajj season. As more pilgrims arrive in the coming days, both NAHCON and Saudi authorities have assured continued support to guarantee a safe, spiritually fulfilling, and incident-free pilgrimage.
The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage is expected to host over 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world, with Nigeria contributing a substantial number. Authorities have advised all pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid overcrowded areas, and report any health concerns promptly to designated officials.
