Saudi Arabia bans Nigerian muslims, others from this year’s Hajj

Nigerian muslims hoping to perform the Hajj this year in Saudi Arabia should forget about it.

The Saudi authorities said they would only allow a limited number of muslims already resident to perform the Hajj, a major pillar in Islam.

Their doors are shut against Nigerians and other nationalities.

In a statement on Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the pilgrimage will take place “this year with a very limited number of those who want to perform the Hajj from all nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia only,’’


The decision aims at ensuring preventive measures and social distancing protocols are observed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

It is also “in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings,’’ the ministry added.

More than two million people perform the annual pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca every year, including many travelling from abroad.