The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has welcomed the announcement of direct flights between Jeddah and Abuja, scheduled to commence on December 1, 2026. This development was shared during a dinner celebration marking Saudi Arabia's 96th National Day in Abuja. The flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
During the same event, Speaker Tajudeen proposed an annual parliamentary dialogue with the Saudi Shura Council to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the long-standing ties between the two countries, which are based on faith, friendship, commerce, and culture. The relationship is further solidified through their cooperation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and OPEC.
Speaker Tajudeen highlighted the significance of the relationship due to Nigeria's large Muslim population, which is the largest in Africa and the fifth-largest globally. This connection gives the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relationship special human and spiritual importance. He encouraged the expansion of passenger services to Lagos, competitive fares, and stronger cargo links.
In addition to the proposed direct flights, Speaker Tajudeen called for an annual parliamentary dialogue and reciprocal committee visits between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He also suggested a joint work plan covering investment, education, and aviation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the Nigeria-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group as a channel for communication between the House of Representatives and the Saudi Shura Council.
The Speaker also requested that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consider a visa-on-arrival policy for certain categories of Nigerians, including investors, academics, business travelers, and diplomatic passport holders. He expressed appreciation for the scholarships offered to Nigerian students and requested more opportunities, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agriculture, and mining.
Speaker Tajudeen commended the improved efficiency of the 2026 Hajj, where Nigeria completed 98 outbound flights within 18 days, meeting the Saudi deadline. He suggested building on this success through earlier planning, clearer pricing, better digital coordination, and stronger medical and consular support. A permanent Nigeria-Saudi operations platform could enhance cooperation in areas such as aviation, immigration, health, accommodation, and pilgrim welfare.
The direct Jeddah-Abuja flights are expected to boost bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Key aspects of this development include increased connectivity, potential economic growth, and enhanced cultural exchange. The flights are set to commence on December 1, 2026, with three weekly services.
Key points
- Direct flights between Jeddah and Abuja will commence on December 1, 2026.
- Speaker Tajudeen proposes annual parliamentary dialogue with the Saudi Shura Council.
- The flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
