The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman in a meeting with Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.

He gave this assurance during his address at the meeting held at the NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

Prof Saleh expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling the gathering and emphasized the Commission’s dedication to overcoming challenges and repositioning it for greater efficiency.

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In his address, the Chairman outlined several challenges upon assuming office, including unresolved claims and operational bottlenecks which hindered progress of some essential activities. He assured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address these issues.

“Alhamdulillah, today we are all here as a family, putting our heads together to solve the daunting challenges facing us and to work as a formidable team to support one of the pillars of Islam,” he said.

He highlighted some of the contentious issues so far resolved, including the refund of 150 Saudi Riyals for poorly rendered electricity services during the 2023 Hajj. Professor Saleh Usman affirmed that his administration is working tirelessly to settle the 2% service charges that was earmarked for the State pilgrims board in relation to the 2024 Hajj. The Chairman also pledged to clear all outstanding legitimate claims in accordance with the law, laying the foundation for a new chapter in NAHCON’s operations.

Professor Saleh called on the Chief Executives to expedite remittances to the Commission to enable early preparations, including securing affordable and suitable accommodations at Madina, Makkah, Mina and Mashaer.

He further informed the Meeting that he will embark on visits to the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to engage with governors, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to garner support and blessings for the 2025 Hajj and that the first Pre- Hajj Visit to Saudi Arabia will take place in January 2025comprising delegation of members from both NAHCON and Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards who will attend Hajj preparation meetings, finalize agreements with service providers, and inspect arrangements in Jeddah.

The NAHCON Chairman also emphasized the importance of teamwork, describing NAHCON staff and State Chief Executives/stakeholders as the strongest pillars of the Commission. He urged all stakeholders to work together as one family to achieve the common goal of providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

In his words, “I came here with good intentions and a bag full of plans to change and reposition the Commission for the better. Let us open a new page and make NAHCON and State Pilgrims Welfare Authorities exemplary institutions for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.

The Commissioner-in-Charge of Operations, Prince Anofi Olarewaju Elegushi provided updates on the 2025 Hajj calendar, noting the distribution of a 51-page guiding document from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to streamline operations. Stakeholders were urged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and adhere to the operational timelines.

The meeting agenda also covered unresolved issues from the 2024 Hajj where the Commissioner Policy, Personnel Management & Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu Abdulrazak made it known that the NAHCON Chairman has given approval to commence the payment of refunds to States after completion of reconciliation with the Finance and Accounts Division.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman praying for divine guidance and success, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to working with all stakeholders for effective service delivery. He reiterated the importance of cooperation and urged stakeholders to embrace peace for the collective success of the 2025 Hajj operations.

Shafii Sani Mohammed is of the Information & Publications Division of NAHCON