The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation. Speaking at a meeting with Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in Abuja, Prof. Saleh expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling the gathering and emphasized the Commission’s dedication to overcoming challenges.
By: Engr. Adamu AttahiruĀ
Prof. Saleh outlined several challenges upon assuming office, including unresolved claims and operational bottlenecks. He assured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address these issues, highlighting the refund of 150 Saudi Riyals for poorly rendered electricity services during the 2023 Hajj. The Chairman also pledged to settle the 2% service charges earmarked for the State pilgrims board in relation to the 2024 Hajj.
Prof. Saleh called on Chief Executives to expedite remittances to enable early preparations, including securing affordable accommodations at Madina, Makkah, Mina, and Mashaer. He announced plans to visit Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with governors, religious scholars, and traditional rulers for support and blessings.
The first Pre-Hajj Visit to Saudi Arabia will take place in January 2025, comprising members from NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. They will attend Hajj preparation meetings, finalize agreements with service providers, and inspect arrangements in Jeddah.
Prof. Saleh emphasized the importance of teamwork, describing NAHCON staff and State Chief Executives/stakeholders as the strongest pillars of the Commission. He urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
The Commissioner-in-Charge of Operations, Prince Anofi Olarewaju Elegushi, provided updates on the 2025 Hajj calendar, noting the distribution of a 51-page guiding document from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The meeting agenda covered unresolved issues from the 2024 Hajj, including the payment of refunds to States after completion of reconciliation with the Finance and Accounts Division.
The meeting concluded with the Chairman praying for divine guidance and success, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to working with stakeholders for effective service delivery. He reiterated the importance of cooperation for the collective success of the 2025 Hajj operations.