The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully secured 68,807 slots for Nigerian pilgrims intending to participate in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, ensuring early preparations to avoid last-minute rushes.
According to Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of NAHCON’s Information and Publications Division, the commission paid upfront on behalf of state pilgrims’ boards and private tour operators to guarantee access to the sacred journey. This move, she stated, was part of NAHCON’s commitment to preventing disruptions and ensuring that all qualified Nigerian pilgrims secure their places.
“NAHCON had secured 52,544 spaces for state pilgrims’ boards,” Usara revealed in a statement titled NAHCON Always in the Media: Understanding the Spotlight – With 2025 Hajj Update, published in Abuja. “The projected number of pilgrims has been split between two major service providers,” she added.
Breakdown of Allocations
Usara detailed that under the new arrangement, Mashariq Dhahabiah would cater to 26,287 pilgrims, while Ekram Deif would handle 26,257 Nigerian pilgrims.
“These service providers are expected to accommodate the registered pilgrims, ensuring they receive appropriate services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia,” she stated.
Additionally, Rawaf Mina has been tasked with confirming the availability of 100 VIP tents for those opting for premium services.
On the private sector’s side, NAHCON has earmarked 16,263 slots for tour operators, ensuring flexibility for intending pilgrims who may not register through state boards.
“A total of 1,447 VIP slots will be processed through Ithraa Al Joud, while Rawaf Mina will provide 35 VIP camps, bringing the total available VIP spaces to 1,482,” Usara disclosed.
For general tour operator spaces, Rawaf Mina has reserved 14,413 slots, with Ithraa Al Joud contributing 1,850 slots, all of which will be allocated once payments are made.
Addressing Late Remittances
One of the longstanding challenges NAHCON faces is the tendency of many Nigerian pilgrims to make late payments while still expecting last-minute allocations. NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, explained that this was a critical issue the commission had to manage carefully.
“Year after year, we have seen a pattern where many pilgrims delay their remittances, but when deadlines approach, pressure mounts on NAHCON to secure more slots,” Usman noted. “To address this, we leveraged the extended timeframe granted by Saudi authorities to accommodate such cases,” he added.
This proactive measure, according to Usman, is meant to ensure that no eligible Nigerian pilgrim is left stranded due to administrative bottlenecks.
Early Payments Are Key, NAHCON Warns
The commission has emphasized the importance of early payments, urging prospective pilgrims to complete their registrations on time.
“It is crucial for intending pilgrims to remit their funds promptly,” Usara advised. “Any delay could lead to non-availability of slots, as the Saudi authorities enforce strict regulations regarding quotas and deadlines,” she warned.
NAHCON has also advised tour operators to adhere strictly to agreed timelines, stressing that the commission will not entertain last-minute pleas from those who fail to secure their slots within the stipulated period.
Upholding Transparency and Fairness
The commission also called on journalists to exercise professionalism in reporting on Hajj matters, emphasizing the need for balanced and fair coverage.
“It is important that the media provides accurate and unbiased information, as Hajj matters involve multiple stakeholders,” Usara urged.
Background: The Significance of Hajj for Nigerian Muslims
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a religious duty that every Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime, provided they have the financial and physical capacity. For many Nigerian Muslims, it is a spiritual journey of great significance, and the competition for available slots remains intense each year.
The Nigerian government, through NAHCON, has historically played a critical role in ensuring that citizens can access Hajj services through structured state boards and private tour operators.
In previous years, there have been concerns over inadequate arrangements, visa denials, and logistical hurdles that have left many intending pilgrims frustrated. However, NAHCON has been working to streamline the process and improve coordination with Saudi authorities to mitigate these challenges.
The Road Ahead
With over 68,000 slots now secured, the onus is on Nigerian pilgrims and tour operators to comply with the required procedures to ensure a smooth and seamless Hajj experience in 2025. NAHCON has reiterated its commitment to facilitating a hassle-free pilgrimage while urging all stakeholders to collaborate in making the process efficient.
As the countdown to Hajj 2025 begins, Nigerian pilgrims are advised to take early action, ensuring that they meet all necessary requirements to avoid last-minute disappointments.
