Report by Mahmud Babangida Beli

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with his Commissioners, paid a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, Ph.D., at the Katsina State Government Lodge in FCT, Abuja.

During the meeting, discussions were held on strategies to improve the 2025 Hajj, addressing key issues such as Hajj fares, airlift arrangements, medical care, Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), and accommodation. The NAHCON Chairman solicited the governor’s support in convincing the Federal Government to reconsider issuing pilgrims’ BTA through ATM credit cards during Hajj.

He also requested the governor’s assistance in urging other state governments to submit lists of officials who prefer Tent-A accommodations to streamline the process.

In response, Governor Radda assured the NAHCON team that he would present these requests and concerns at the upcoming meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum and seek the support of religious leaders to enhance public awareness regarding Hajj matters.

The Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, appealed to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to maintain the “first come, first served” departure policy after the completion of Hajj to ensure fairness and a faster return.