The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced preparations for the 2025 Hajj with a working visit to Saudi Arabia, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
According to a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications at NAHCON, the visit, which began on January 7, 2025, is at the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU). The delegation’s agenda includes signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025 Hajj and finalizing arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.
The MoU signing is scheduled for January 12, 2025, with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, representing the country. Following this, the delegation will attend the International Hajj Expo, set to begin on January 13, 2025, to explore service provider options for Nigerian pilgrims.
In preparation, Prof. Saleh and his team will engage in several critical activities, including:
- Bilateral meetings and consultations with other Hajj mission heads.
- Discussions with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and e-track registration portal supervisors.
- Signing contracts with key service providers such as United Agents, Car Syndicates, Tafweej, Adillah in Madinah, and Health Supervision Companies.
Meanwhile, other NAHCON officials will inspect accommodations, catering services, and medical facilities in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet required standards before agreements are finalized.
This comprehensive visit underscores NAHCON’s commitment to delivering an efficient and well-organized Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims in 2025.
