The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced major preparations for the 2025 Hajj with a significant working visit to Saudi Arabia, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
The visit, which began on January 7, 2025, was organized at the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU) and aimed to finalize critical arrangements for the annual Muslim pilgrimage.
The NAHCON delegation included key Commissioners such as Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal (Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services), Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi (Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Services), and Alhaji Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq (Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance).
Representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the aviation industry are also part of the delegation, providing oversight and ensuring comprehensive preparation.
A highlight of the visit is the Bilateral Meeting and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025 Hajj, set for January 12, 2025. The MoU will be signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on behalf of the Federal Government. The delegation will also attend the International Hajj Expo starting January 13, 2025, to explore service options for Nigerian pilgrims.
In the lead-up to these events, Prof. Saleh and his team will engage in consular discussions, meetings with heads of other Hajj missions, consultations with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and assessments of the Hajj e-track registration portal. These activities are aimed at ensuring smooth operations for the 2025 pilgrimage.
NAHCON staff will also inspect accommodations, catering facilities, and medical establishments in Makkah and Madinah to guarantee they meet required standards before formal agreements are signed with service providers.
