In a notable display of legislative oversight and religious diplomacy, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on Saturday welcomed a high-powered delegation from Nigeria’s National Assembly to Mina, the sacred city of tents. The visit highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj.
The delegation was led by Honourable Jafaru Aliyu, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Nalaraba Chiroma (Gezawa). Other members of the delegation included Engr. Sagir Koki, Hon. Abdurrahim Danga (Kogi), Hon. Hasan Shehu Hassan (Nasarawa), Hon. Mukhtar Umar Zakari (Tarauni), and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Doguwa/Tudun Wada).
Welcoming the lawmakers, Professor Usman expressed appreciation for their continued support and strategic oversight, which he described as instrumental to the smooth execution of this year’s pilgrimage.
“To the best of my knowledge, our Guests of Allah are in good condition and having a fulfilling spiritual experience,It’s always clear, whenever we engage with the Chairman, that pilgrims’ welfare remains at the core of his agenda.”he said.
The visiting delegation was taken on a comprehensive tour of key operational areas in Mina, including pilgrims’ accommodation tents, medical clinics, and catering facilities. While many pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangements, a number of them raised concerns over the limited number of toilet facilities—a matter the lawmakers promised to escalate for immediate action.
The NAHCON Chairman was joined during the tour by several high-ranking officials of the Commission and partner institutions. These included Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, and Library Services; Prof. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Board Member (North Central); Prof. Musa Fodio, representing Jama’atu Nasril Islam; Prof. Mahfouz, from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; and Alhaji Muhammad Tijjani, who represented the Ministry of Aviation.
Adding diplomatic presence to the visit were top officials from Nigeria’s foreign missions in Saudi Arabia: Ambassador Ahmad Sule of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Monguno representing the Presidency, and His Excellency Ibrahim Modibbo, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.
The lawmakers rounded off their visit by inspecting accommodation tents housing pilgrims from Kano, Lagos, Bauchi, and Niger States, expressing satisfaction with the level of coordination and logistics provided by NAHCON. They, however, emphasized the need for sustained improvements in critical infrastructure, especially as Nigeria continues to reposition its Hajj operations in line with global best practices.
