Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community, that no intending pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, and that the exercise will proceed without any issues. He has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to implement all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and seamless pilgrimage for all Nigerian pilgrims.
This assurance followed a meeting between the Vice President and the management and board of NAHCON, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. The meeting was convened after concerns were raised over a potential contractual dispute with the Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, which could have led to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.
“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” VP Shettima said during the meeting.
The Vice President gave strong directives to the leadership of NAHCON, urging them to do whatever is necessary to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims. He stated, “NAHCON must ensure the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance. From now on, we must set the right standards, move in the right direction, and ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise.”
NAHCON Chairman, Saleh Usman, also addressed concerns over the contractual dispute with the Saudi-based company, reassuring Nigerians that the issue would not affect the pilgrimage. “There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman emphasized.
He also refuted claims made by the Forum of States Pilgrim Welfare Agencies that the contract dispute could jeopardize the pilgrimage, assuring the public that preparations would continue as planned.
