Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, clarified that the country is not part of those facing an entry ban to Saudi Arabia, which is set to begin on April 13.
The statement was issued by the minister through his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Minister Tuggar confirmed that the viral memo circulating, which claimed that Nigeria was included in the ban list alongside Egypt, India, Pakistan, and other countries, had been debunked by Saudi authorities. He described the information as false and misleading.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre has officially denied the existence of such a directive. The only official travel restrictions apply to the Hajj pilgrimage,” Tuggar clarified.
He went on to explain that the restriction only affects holders of tourist visas during the Hajj season, which runs from April 29 to June 11 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). During this period, holders of tourist visas will not be allowed to perform Hajj or enter Makkah.
“The Hajj visa is the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during this period,” Tuggar added.
He urged Nigerians to ignore the misleading memo and verify travel information through official channels before making plans.
“Spreading false or unverified information can cause confusion and disrupt travel plans,” he warned.
The minister recommended that travelers check with official Saudi sources, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels for accurate travel updates.
(NAN)
