The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced preparation for 2025 Hajj operations to convey 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims to the holy land.
Nigeria retained the previous allocation of 95,000 pilgrims for next Hajj after the first 2025 Hajj virtual preparatory meeting with Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) held recently.
Subsequently, NAHCON has ratified quota distribution of the Saudi approved allocation by 75,000 and 20,000 seats to States and Private tour operators respectively.
Key stakeholders representing Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the virtual space meeting include NAHCO Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazaq; Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofi Elegushi and Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics and Information and Library Services (PRSILS) Prof Abubakar Yagawal.
Other representatives on the part of Saudi Arabia were drawn from the Saudi Immigration Service and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Leading the Nigerian team, 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 conveniences 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.