The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has taken proactive steps to ensure a seamless and successful 2025 Hajj by amending its service contract with Mashariq al Dhabia, a Saudi-based company that plays a crucial role in supporting Nigerian pilgrims during the pilgrimage. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Hajj, as the commission intensifies efforts to enhance service quality and address previous concerns raised by pilgrims and stakeholders.
The amended contract was officially signed on Saturday, February 23, 2025, by Prof. Abdullahi Usman, Chairman of NAHCON, and Muhammad Hassan, Chairman of Mashariq al Dhabia, at a ceremony held in Abuja. The revised agreement aims to streamline logistics, increase operational efficiency, and ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive top-tier services during their religious journey to Mecca.
During the signing, Prof. Usman clarified that the decision to amend the contract was not due to any dispute or cancellation of the partnership. Instead, it is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims and make the Hajj experience as smooth as possible.
“This amendment to the contract is an indication of our commitment to serving Nigerian pilgrims with excellence. Both NAHCON and Mashariq al Dhabia share a common goal – to ensure that pilgrims are provided with the best possible services,” Usman said.
He further emphasized that this change was not a response to rumors circulating about the cancellation of the contract but rather a step towards reinforcing the mutual relationship between both parties, which has been a crucial component in the successful facilitation of Nigerian pilgrimages in previous years.
“Let me debunk the rumors that have been flying around about the cancellation of our agreement. This amendment is designed to address any concerns and enhance our collaboration with Mashariq al Dhabia. Our ultimate goal is to make sure that our pilgrims’ journey is as comfortable and spiritual as possible,” Usman continued.
Mashariq al Dhabia has been a long-standing partner of NAHCON, tasked with providing various services including transportation, accommodation, and catering for Nigerian pilgrims. The company has gained significant recognition for its role in facilitating Nigerian pilgrimages to Mecca over the years. However, recent feedback from pilgrims and stakeholders revealed the need for certain improvements in services, especially concerning logistics and overall coordination.
Muhammad Hassan, Chairman of Mashariq al Dhabia, expressed his company’s commitment to enhancing its services and thanked Allah for the opportunity to continue collaborating with NAHCON.
“We are grateful for the trust that NAHCON has placed in us over the years, and we are committed to providing even better services for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj,” Hassan said. “Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the pilgrimage runs smoothly and that Nigerian pilgrims experience a comfortable and spiritually enriching journey.”
He also praised the strong working relationship between Mashariq al Dhabia and NAHCON, stating that it was built on shared values of integrity and service. Hassan reassured Nigerian pilgrims that the company would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the best possible experience for them.
The renewed focus on the 2025 Hajj preparations follows a series of strategic actions taken by NAHCON in recent months. The commission has been refining various aspects of the pilgrimage process, from travel arrangements to accommodations, and has also been focused on addressing any logistical challenges faced by pilgrims during past pilgrimages. This amendment to the contract with Mashariq al Dhabia comes on the heels of other significant actions taken by the commission, such as the approval of four airlines for the 2025 Hajj operation.
NAHCON has also recently made headlines with its proactive approach to refunding states and tour operators a sum of N5.3 billion from the 2023 Hajj. This move was seen as a major effort by the commission to maintain transparency and fairness in its operations and financial dealings.
The 2025 Hajj is expected to see a record number of Nigerian pilgrims, as the country’s Muslim population continues to grow and more Nigerians express their desire to participate in the sacred pilgrimage. With the changes being implemented, NAHCON hopes to eliminate any lingering issues that have plagued past operations and create an experience that reflects the importance of this religious journey.
In addition to the amendments made to the service contract, the commission has also been in discussions with other stakeholders in the Hajj process, such as the Saudi authorities, to ensure all systems are in place for a smooth operation. These preparations include the finalization of travel routes, visa processing, and coordination with local authorities in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
“Everything is being carefully planned and streamlined so that our pilgrims can focus on their spiritual duties without unnecessary distractions or difficulties,” Prof. Usman remarked.
Nigerians who have already made preparations for the 2025 pilgrimage can expect to see significant improvements in the services provided. NAHCON has pledged to make the experience one of comfort and ease, from their arrival in Mecca to their departure after completing the sacred rituals.
For many Nigerians, the Hajj is not just a religious obligation but also a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. The changes announced by NAHCON are expected to make this pilgrimage even more meaningful, as pilgrims will now be able to enjoy a higher standard of service and better logistical support during their time in Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, the commission remains optimistic that these adjustments will pave the way for a seamless 2025 Hajj, positioning it as a model for future Hajj operations. The ultimate goal, according to Usman, is to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are able to perform their religious duties with peace of mind, confidence, and dignity.
“We have always strived to deliver the best possible experience for Nigerian pilgrims, and this amendment marks a new chapter in that commitment. We are confident that with these changes, the 2025 Hajj will be remembered as one of the most successful and spiritually fulfilling in recent history,” Usman concluded.
As the 2025 Hajj draws nearer, all eyes will be on NAHCON and its partners to see how the revamped contract will translate into a flawless pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims.
This year’s Hajj promises to be an example of excellence in planning, service delivery, and religious devotion.
