By Abdu Saidu, Kano
The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside his commissioners, met with Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D., at the Katsina State Government Lodge in FCT, Abuja, to deliberate on key strategies for improving the 2025 Hajj operations.
During the meeting, discussions focused on critical issues affecting Nigerian pilgrims, including Hajj fares, airlift arrangements, medical care, Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), and accommodation.
Prof. Usman urged Governor Radda to support NAHCON’s appeal to the federal government to reconsider the issuance of pilgrims’ BTA via ATM credit cards, citing concerns over accessibility and efficiency during Hajj.
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He also sought the governor’s assistance in encouraging other state governments to promptly submit lists of officials who prefer Tent-A accommodations to facilitate a smoother allocation process.
In response, Governor Radda assured the NAHCON delegation of his commitment to addressing these concerns. He pledged to present the requests at the upcoming Northern Governors’ Forum meeting and engage religious leaders in raising public awareness on Hajj-related matters.
Additionally, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, called on State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to uphold the “first come, first served” departure policy after Hajj completion. This, he noted, would promote fairness and ensure a more efficient return process for pilgrims.
The meeting underscores NAHCON’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims, addressing logistical and financial challenges to ensure a seamless pilgrimage in 2025.
