President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has directed the newly appointed Chairman of National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman to assume duty pending the screening and confirmation by the Senate.
Tinubu approved the appointment of Professor Usman on 19th August, 2024 after the removal of Jalal Arabi who was accused of misappropriation of N90 billion government intervention for 2024 hajj.
However, a statement from the office of the Vice President, Senator Shetima dated 5th September, 2024 and signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, instructed Usman to resume work at Hajj House immediately.
The internal memo titled Resumption of office in Ag Capacity addressed to Professor Saleh Usman, reads “I am directed by His Excellency, Senator Shetima GCON, the Vice President to convey the approval of your resumption of office as Chairman National Hajj Commission in an Acting Capacity with immediate effect pending confirmation by the senate after resumption from recess”.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has commenced preparation for 2025 Hajj operations to beat the timeline and guide already established by the Saudi Arabia authority.
This is even as Nigeria retained the previous allocation of 95,000 pilgrims for next Hajj, a quota NAHCON has already allocated to states and private tours by 75,000 and 20,000 seats respectively.
Leading a Nigerian team on a virtual preparatory meeting with Saudi ministry of Hajj and Umurah recently, Alh. Abdulrazaq commended the MOHU of Saudi Arabian for the successful 2024 Hajj Operations and expressed readiness NAHCON to kick start preparations for 2025 exercise.
Abdulrazaq, however raised concern over acute shortage of pilgrims convinences and absence of local delicacies both at Mina as well as challenges of transportation from Muzdalifa to Mina.
The leader of the Nigerian delegation also raised issues on tents allocation and failure of Nigeria to secure rightful spaces despite payment of extra space to avoid shortage.
Alhaji Abdulrazaq also drew attention to the harassment some pilgrims faced due to inactive NUSUK identity cards which was no fault of theirs but that of the issuing authorities.
On the part of the Saudi delegation, the Director General, Office of the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umurah, Dr. Badr Assulamy, requested full support of NAHCON to make 2025 Hajj a success.
Dr Badr who doubles as the Chief Consultant in Charge of Offices of the (world) Pilgrims’ Affairs laid out a timeline of activities as build up to the Hajj pleading with the Commission to commit itself to deadlines.
He called for early payment of Hajj fares, completion of contractual agreements with service providers, issuing of license to air carriers and other stakeholders must be concluded before issuing of Visa would be possible.
According to him, Visa issuance would commence on 19th of February, 2025 while encouraged NAHCON to perfect arrangement to complete securing the travel document before the deadline date.
On the issues of concern, Dr. Badr further urged the Commission to exercise patience over the ugly experiences. He advised NAHCON to collaborate with service providers to select best location in Mina if the Hajj fares are remitted early.
Among the guidelines for the 2025 Hajj are that all pilgrims should be vaccinated with the stipulated vaccines: yellow fever, Covid-19, meningitis etc. Furthermore, it must be indicated during registration if an intending pilgrim suffers other ailments such as Cancer, Diabetes.