Saudi Arabia sponsors 20 Nigerians to perform umrah

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has sponsored 20 Nigerian pilgrims to perform umrah under the 2025 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests programme.

The Saudi embassy in Abuja, the nation’s capital, held a farewell ceremony for the pilgrims on Tuesday, led by Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria.

The programme, launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, aims to offer Muslims from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to perform umrah with full sponsorship.

Al-Ghamdi expressed his gratitude to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support, commending their leadership in enhancing services for pilgrims and ensuring smooth journeys.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the crown prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and a great honor,” he said.

“Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey.”

Al-Ghamdi also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s investments in the expansion and modernisation of the mosques, noting that over $100 billion has been invested.

“These ambitious projects, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems, and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina each year,” he added.

The ambassador stressed the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations, which are designed to maintain order and ensure the safety of all pilgrims.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God. This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests programme has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s efforts to unite Muslims worldwide and facilitate access to the holiest sites in Islam,” Al-Ghamdi added.

“Each year, the initiative provides thousands of pilgrims with the opportunity to perform mrah, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation, and other logistics,” he explained.

The Nigerian pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the king and the Kingdom’s leadership for their generosity and support.