The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • 1,673,230 pilgrims performing Hajj

    1,673,230 pilgrims performing Hajj

    The Saudi Arabia General Authority for Statistics announced yesterday that the total number of pilgrims who perform Hajj this year reached 1,673,230 pilgrims.

    These include 1,506,576 foreign pilgrims, who arrived from outside the Kingdom through various entry ports. The number of domestic pilgrims reached 166,654 pilgrims, including citizens and residents.

    The authority indicated in its statistical results for this year’s Hajj that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of domestic and international pilgrims reached 877,841, while the number of female pilgrims stood at 795,389.

    Regarding the statistics for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, the authority said that 1,435,017 male and female pilgrims arrived via air ports, while 66,465 pilgrims arrived via land ports, and 5,094 pilgrims arrived via sea ports.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria begins 21 Days of Y’ello Care

    It is noteworthy that the GASTAT relied on administrative records from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source of data to provide highly accurate and reliable Hajj statistics based on a unified model that includes several elements. This is an extension of the statistical approach followed over the past five years, it stated in a report.

    On Wednesday, pilgrims streamed into Arafat, some making the journey on foot, carrying their luggage through temperatures nudging 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Others carried the elderly.

    People paused to sit on the ground to rest or eat before heading to their camps.

    Mount Arafat, a rocky hill southeast of Makkah, holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon on his final Hajj.

  • Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

    Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on taking photographs, videos or raising political and sectarian expressions at main Hajj sites.

    In a statement, the ministry emphasised that pilgrims are prohibited from taking photographs or recording videos within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and at key Hajj locations including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

    Officials have stressed that such actions could undermine the spiritual atmosphere of Hajj and risk sowing division among pilgrims who come from across the globe.

    The ministry reaffirmed that the pilgrimage is a sacred time dedicated to worship, humility, and unity, and any conduct that contradicts these values will not be tolerated.

    Read Also: Breaking: Saudi Authorities release Ibrahim Abubakar

    ”Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to adhere to the regulations and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and spiritually enriching environment.

    “Security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce these regulations.”

    (NAN)

  • 2025 Hajj: Edo, Abia lose pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as Zamfara woman delivers baby

    2025 Hajj: Edo, Abia lose pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as Zamfara woman delivers baby

    Nigeria has recorded two deaths among her contingents to this year’s Holy Pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    However, another pilgrim from the country gave birth in the Holy Land.

    Mrs. Adizatu Dazumi, a 75-year-old female pilgrim from Jattu Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, and Chairman of Lokpanta Cattle Market in Abia State, Alhaji Saleh Galeh died on Monday.

    Members of the Abia State Pilgrims Board with the necessary authorities, The Nation learnt, have made arrangements to transport Galeh’s remains to Masjid Haram today for Salatul Janazah (Prayer for the deceased) after Zuhur prayer.

    It was learnt that the Edo pilgrim, Mrs Dazumi, passed away at the King Fahd General Hospital in Makkah after a brief illness.

    Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musah Muhammad Uduimoh, was said to have confirmed her death in a WhatsApp voice note.

    Read Also: Saudi Arabia bars Gumi from performing Hajj

    According to Mallam Uduimoh, Mrs. Dazumi was hospitalized on Sunday after Tawaaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’aba) following an illness and succumbed to her condition the following day.

    She has been buried in Makkah in accordance with Islamic rites.

    The Nation learnt that the deceased’s family in Jattu Uzairue has been contacted and informed of her demise.

    The Zamfara pilgrim was delivered of her baby in a Madinah hospital.

  • Saudi bars Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi from Hajj

    Saudi bars Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi from Hajj

    Saudi authorities have barred prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite initially issuing him a visa.

    The cleric was subsequently deported to Nigeria.

    Confirming the development on Monday, May 26, 2025, Gumi posted on his official Facebook page that although he had secured a visa for the pilgrimage, he was denied entry upon arriving in Medina, where he was scheduled to begin his religious rites.

    “Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” Gumi wrote.

    He added, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”

    Read Also: Call Sheikh Gumi to order, Fani-Kayode tells FG

    Gumi was among several clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to provide religious guidance during the pilgrimage.

    He reportedly landed in Medina last Saturday at around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight, accompanied by other religious leaders. However, Saudi immigration officials denied him entry into the city.

    Having returned to Nigeria, the scholar is said to have resumed his regular teaching and religious duties.

  • Saudi Arabia provides free eye care to 4,000 Lagos residents

    Saudi Arabia provides free eye care to 4,000 Lagos residents

    The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), backed by the Saudi Arabian Government, is offering free eye care to 4,000 Lagos residents as part of its global health initiative.

    Launched on May 20 at Gbagada General Hospital and set to end on May 27, the programme includes eye screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens implants, treatment for refractive errors, and prescription eyeglasses.

    Read Also: Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief launches free eye care mission in Lagos

    Mohammed Alsahabi, Saudi Arabia’s press attaché in Nigeria, stated that the mission, directed by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting underserved communities worldwide.

  • Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief launches free eye care mission in Lagos

    Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief launches free eye care mission in Lagos

    The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has extended its free eye care outreach, “Saudi Noor Ophthalmic,” to Lagos State. The programme is currently underway at Gbagada General Hospital from May 20 to 27, 2025, offering comprehensive eye care services at no cost to the public.

    In a statement issued by Saudi Arabia’s Press Attaché in Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, beneficiaries will receive a range of services including diagnostic eye screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implants, correction of refractive errors, and free prescription eyeglasses.

    Alsahabi described the outreach as a major step in Saudi Arabia’s continued support for preventive eye care in Nigeria.

    “This initiative is executed under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said.

    Since the launch of its blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria in 2019, KSrelief has carried out over 218,000 eye examinations, restored sight to more than 21,000 patients through surgery, and distributed over 45,000 eyeglasses. The programme has previously been implemented in Yobe, Kano, and Bauchi states.

    Read Also: Hajj: 32,549 pilgrims so far conveyed to Saudi Arabia

    Bringing the initiative to Lagos marks an important recognition of the healthcare gaps in urban centres and the need to address eye health challenges in densely populated areas.

    Globally, KSrelief has carried out more than 3,400 humanitarian projects in over 107 countries since its establishment in 2015. Its blindness prevention campaign continues to operate in countries like Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Mauritania.

    This latest outreach in Lagos underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian aid and its strong bilateral ties with Nigeria in the fight against preventable blindness.

  • NAHCON airlifts 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in one week

    NAHCON airlifts 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in one week

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has transported 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj in one week.

    NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafil Mohammed, in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had on May 9 declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo.

    Mohammed, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations, said that within six days, 50 flights have successfully conveyed 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    He said that the commission would regularly update the public on the  exercise progress.

    Read Also: NAHCON airlifts 14,165 pilgrims in five days

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAHCON is a government’s agency that regulates and coordinates Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims to ensure a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage experience.

    This includes licensing and supervising organisations involved in Hajj and Umrah operations, and coordinating with government authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

    (NAN)

  • Trump lands in Saudi Arabia for first multi-day trip of second term

    Trump lands in Saudi Arabia for first multi-day trip of second term

    U.S. President Donald Trump had arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for his first multi-day foreign trip since he returned to the White House earlier this year.

    Trump was received at King Khalid International Airport by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen as Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler.

    Riyadh is the first leg of Trump’s Gulf tour, ahead of visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

    The trip s expected to focus on economic deals, the war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Trump is scheduled to attend a Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum on Tuesday before a summit with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain on Wednesday.

    His talks in Riyadh could lead to an anticipated agreement on civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia.

    The kingdom has already announced it will invest 600 billion dollars in the United States in the coming years.

    Trump said he will be asking the crown prince to increase that to around one trillion dollars.

    Saudi Arabia was the destination for Trump’s first trip abroad as president in 2017 during his first term in office, after the oil-rich country announced 450 billion dollars in investments in the U.S.

    Read Also: Trump congratulates first U.S. Pope

    The stop in Riyadh marked Trump’s first official trip abroad since taking office again in January, although he did made a short visit to Rome last month for Pope Francis’ funeral.

    Trump’s visit to Doha this week could be overshadowed by reports that he is set to accept a luxury Boeing aircraft as a gift from Qatar’s royal family.

    The president has also suggested he could fly to Turkey on Thursday to join a possible meeting between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Ajagba, Bakole battle draw in Saudi Arabia heavyweight bout

    Ajagba, Bakole battle draw in Saudi Arabia heavyweight bout

    Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba and Congolese contender Martin Bakole fought to a dramatic majority draw in their highly anticipated bout in Saudi Arabia. 

    Judges scored the contest 95-95, 94-96, and 95-95, with one narrowly favouring Ajagba while the other two ruled it even. 

    The intense 10-round battle saw Ajagba, boasting a record of 20 wins and one loss, showcase his skill and determination, while Bakole aimed for redemption after a recent defeat to Joseph Parker. 

    Read Also: Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034

    Despite bookmakers favouring Bakole, Ajagba’s resilience proved decisive, leaving both fighters with unfinished business after the gripping contest.

    The bout was a crucial juncture for both fighters in their pursuit of a world title shot in the competitive heavyweight division, currently ruled by Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.

    Neither fighter managed to deliver a decisive performance, but their aspirations remain alive.

  • Saudi Arabia imposes hefty fines for unauthorised Hajj entry

    Saudi Arabia imposes hefty fines for unauthorised Hajj entry

    Saudi authorities have announced strict penalties for unauthorised individuals attempting to participate in this year’s Hajj.

    Violators will face a fine of $5,332, while those applying for visit visas for individuals attempting Hajj without a permit or staying in Makkah unlawfully will be fined $26,661. 

    The Saudi Ministry of Interior, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), stated that the penalties will be enforced from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 until the end of Dhul-Hijjah 14.

    The period aligns with preparations for the 2025 Hajj, expected to begin on May 28. 

    Additionally, the ministry emphasised that the penalties will multiply based on the number of individuals involved in violations.

    The crackdown aims to regulate access to Makkah and ensure adherence to pilgrimage requirements.

    It said the same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

    The ministry added that those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims’ housing sites, would also be fined when caught.

    Read Also: Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034

    According to the ministry, this includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay, the fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

    The ministry said the third are, the illegal infiltrators attempting to perform Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

    The ministry said the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.

    Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has scheduled May 9 for the commencement of the airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims.

    A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 pilgrims paid for the pilgrimage.