The Saudi Minister of Hajj Affairs, Dr Bandar bin Hajai, on Friday said that Nigeria would maintain her 76,000 quota in the forthcoming Hajj.
Bandar disclosed this in a statement issued after a joint meeting between him and the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, in preparation for this year’s Hajj.
He 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 Makah and Madinah.
The minister, however, said that Nigeria could request for more slots for consideration by the Saudi Government.
The two ministers had admitted that last year’s Hajj was successful and had promised that this year’s Hajj would be better.
The two ministers also pledged to work closely in ensuring that the pilgrims perform their religious rites in comfort and safety.
However, 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 perform their religious obligation safely.