NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites
Foreign

Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

173 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on taking photographs, videos or raising political and sectarian expressions at main Hajj sites.
In a statement, the ministry emphasised that pilgrims are prohibited from taking photographs or recording videos within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Other location where such is banned include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Officials have stressed that such actions could undermine the spiritual atmosphere of Hajj and risk sowing division among pilgrims who come from across the globe.

The ministry reaffirmed that the pilgrimage is a sacred time dedicated to worship, humility, and unity, and any conduct that contradicts these values would not be tolerated.

”Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to adhere to the regulations and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and spiritually enriching environment.

“Security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce these regulations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy
Foreign

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy

174 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Dr Modibbo Umar, Charge De Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Riyadh, says pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj without permit are liable to 100,000 riyals fine, 10 years ban and deportation.

Umar said this at the Hajj 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah on Monday.

The envoy recalled that during the 2024 Hajj, the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

He therefore urged Nigerian pilgrims to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of their host.

“We have very strong advice for our pilgrims. We need to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of our hosts for the duration of our pilgrimage here.

“We should also let our people around here know that the Saudi authorities this year have sent very strong signals that Hajj without permit will not be condoned.

“They have raised the stake. Last year the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

”This time around, their message is 100,000 riyals, including deportation and being banned from the Kingdom for 10 years. So, please I urge you to tell our people all this,” he said.

The Charge De Affaires also urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for Nigeria in order to leave a better country for future generation.

“We will like to use this opportunity to call on all our pilgrims who are in this holy sessions of the Hajj, to pray for our country and Muslims all over the world.

“May we have a world that is far better than what it is now for our children and our grandchildren,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said the common goal of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting was to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims get the benefits and services they deserve.

According to Saleh, as stakeholders, our job is like that of a servants to the Nigerian pilgrims and they are the reason why we are here today.

“We have to serve them to the best of our ability because they have paid for that.

“Whether you are from the states, service provider, medical teams, security, media or even from the NAHCON staff, your engagement in Hajj operation is like a contract to serve the pilgrims.”

The NAHCON chairman sued for teamwork, which he said was one of the keys to success as no one person could do it alone.

“We must listen to each other, support one another and put the needs of our pilgrims first.

“I urge every one of us to work towards the success of this important five days period in the lives of pilgrims.

”Pilgrims are our guests and more importantly they are the guests of our creator, Allah,” he added.

Similarly, Prince Anofi Elegushi, the Commissioner of Operations, NAHCON, said the purpose of Pre-Arafat meeting was to inform the stakeholders on arrangements and measures put in place for 2025 Hajj rites.

Elegushi said that it had been a tradition that a few days before Arafat and moving to Mina, there would be a pre-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting.

“This is a way of informing our stakeholders on the journey so far and what we are still going to face in the Hajj process.

“So, this is a session where information will be disseminated on how to go about the rest of the process.

“It is also an avenue where people will raise questions and find solutions to issues affecting them,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

NAHCON takes over Masha’er tent facilities from service providers
General News

NAHCON takes over Masha’er tent facilities from service providers

170 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially taken over the management of the improved Masha’er tent facilities from service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhabiyya.

NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Malam Muhammad Musa, in Makkah on Thursday.

Musa said that NAHCON took charge of the tent facilities management in collaboration with all state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions.

He said that the landmark development aimed at enhancing the comfort and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Musa said the handover, marked by mutual satisfaction and optimism, signified a new chapter in the provision of standardised, high-quality services for Nigerian pilgrims.

“Among the notable upgrades are the installation of modern cooling systems, additional large shading umbrellas above the traditional tents,” he said.

He said that for the first time, provision of seven extra tents were reserved as backups to cater to any unforeseen needs during the Hajj exercise.

According to him, this proactive initiative of reserving additional tents is unprecedented and demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring a seamless Hajj experience for Nigerians.

“The agreement, described as a win-win for both parties, promises to deliver a unique and more comfortable Hajj experience for the Nigerian pilgrims in this 2025 operation,” Musa said.

The NAHCON spokesman said that the official signing ceremony was witnessed by all state executives, who expressed full satisfaction with the new arrangement.

Meanwhile, Mr Alidu Shutti, Makkah Deputy Coordinator, who represented the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, emphasised the tangible improvements,says there was a clear difference from the previous years.

Also present was the Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who expressed his delight with the upgraded facilities prepared for the 2025 Hajj season.

The event was well attended by heads of committees, their secretaries and the ICT team, all of whom expressed satisfaction with the developments.

The ceremony marked a major milestone in NAHCON’s ongoing mission to elevate the Hajj experience for all the Nigerian pilgrims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

2025 Hajj: NAHCON tasks clerics on sensitisation
Foreign

2025 Hajj: NAHCON tasks clerics on sensitisation

223 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged its Ulama team to sensitise Nigerian pilgrims on the rudiments of the pilgrimage before performing Hajj rites.

 

Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), said this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.

 

“Yesterday I was busy with Ulama team. I had three meetings with them, with their groups, where we sensitised them about their responsibilities in this Hajj operation.

 

“We categorise them into three. There are those that are preaching to enlighten our pilgrims on how to perform their Hajj, and there are those who are to pray for our country.

 

“There is one group that will ask and answer pilgrims’ questions. If any pilgrim has problem in knowing what to do, they will ask and they will get answers, ” he said.

 

He said before he left Nigeria for Madina, the Hajj operation was going smoothly.

 

“In terms of airlifting the pilgrims, all our centres of evacuation, our pilgrims were okay. And I know also, before coming, I was hearing the report from Madina that everything is going smoothly,” he said.

 

He said the commission’s medical team also briefed him on how it had been performing since the beginning of the operation.

 

“I met with some of our medical doctors and they briefed me on how they have been going through since the beginning of the operation. Alhamdulillahi, there is no challenge that they cannot solve,” he said.

 

He said that the medical team had drugs, amd it had established medical outposts to attend to patients.

 

“They are treating our pilgrims without any problem. So far, so good. They have not told me any case that is difficult for them to solve,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah
Foreign

2025 Hajj: NAHCON inspects tour operators’ feeding arrangements in Makkah

187 total views today

By Abdulwahab Deji

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified its efforts for the success of the 2025 Hajj by conducting a catering simulation exercise at the Rawaf Mina office in Makkah.

This is contained in a statement by Ahmad Musa, Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makkah.

The exercise was conducted to evaluate the quality, timeliness and standard of catering services arranged for the Nigerian Pilgrims under the Private Tour Operator quota.

The Commission’s Makkah Deputy Coordinator, Mr Alidu Shutti, led the delegation during the exercise.

Rawaf Mina, a Saudi-based company is responsible for provision of services to Nigerian Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims at the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during the Hajj rites.

Shutti emphasised that the quality and quantity of meals in terms of taste, portion, and nutritional value must match what would be served to the Pilgrims during the Hajj.

“Timely delivery and consistency in quality, quantity are non-negotiable,” he stated, noting that the Commission’s goal is to elevate the 2025 Hajj experience to one of the best in recent time.

In response, Rawaf Mina CEO, Mr Zuhaer Sadayu, assured NAHCON officials that a dedicated food service consultant has been appointed to oversee all stages of meal preparation and delivery.

He pledged that feedback from the inspection would be meticulously addressed and incorporated into the final service provision plans in order to ensure Pilgrims receive full value for their money.

Also present at the event was NAHCON’s Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who expressed gratitude to the Rawaf Mina team for facilitating the meals-tasting session and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing Pilgrims’ welfare across all aspects of the Hajj exercise.

This function forms part of NAHCON’s broader mission to ensure efficient and effective service delivery during the days of tashriq outing.

The Hajj Commission reaffirms that the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims remained top priority in its operational mandate for the 2025 Hajj.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Hajj: NAHCON’s advance team arrives Saudi Arabia
General News

Hajj: NAHCON’s advance team arrives Saudi Arabia

268 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday announced the arrival of its 36-member advance team, comprising staff and medical personnel, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina.

 

 

The team is in Saudi Arabia ahead of the first set of Nigerian pilgrims scheduled to depart on Friday.

 

NAHCON’s Information officer, Suwaiba Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

 

She said that the team, led by the Deputy Coordinator for Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shuti, arrived in Madina on Tuesday.

 

Ahmed noted that the advance team included members from various committees, including accommodation, feeding, medical, national reception, passport management, e-Track, hijira, tafweej, and media.

 

“The task of these committees is to ensure that everything is in place before the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims,” she said.

 

Before the team’s departure on Monday, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Sale, urged members to carry out their responsibilities, emphasising that their groundwork was critical for a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the advance team is responsible for laying the foundation for the entire Hajj exercise.

 

Their duties include coordinating accommodation logistics, airport reception protocols, and engaging with Saudi Hajj authorities to facilitate a seamless experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

 

The team’s efforts are expected to ensure the efficient arrival, safety, and welfare of pilgrims, medical personnel, and state officials during the pilgrimage.

 

The arrival of the advance team marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s 2025 Hajj preparations and officially signals the commencement of the nation’s participation in one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Hajj 2025: NAHCON reiterates commitment to excellent service
General News

Hajj 2025: NAHCON reiterates commitment to excellent service

282 total views today

 

Muhammad Musa, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Head of Public Affairs, says Nigeria pilgrims are out to enjoy better services in all areas during the 2025 Hajj exercise.

 

Musa said this on Friday in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, adding that NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh was already making last minute arrangements to ensure this objective.

 

He said that Saleh is leading an official delegation to assess the preparedness of key service providers responsibility for pilgrims’ welfare during the sacred journey.

Musa said that the assessment was part of NAHCON’s commitment to safeguarding pilgrims’ welfare and comfort, working closely with service providers to ensure a seamless, spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims.

 

Musa said that the NAHCON chair visited offices of Mashariq Aldhahabiah, a Saudi Arabian company contracted to provide  Masha’ir services, and Ekram Aldyf, another service provider.

 

“Following your recent visit to Nigeria, it is important we remain updated on new developments and any emerging challenges. Our primary goal is ensuring every Nigerian pilgrim receives diligent and efficient services throughout their pilgrimage.”

The Chairman of Mashariq Aldhahabiah, Muhammad Andergiri, appreciated NAHCON’s continued vigilance and dedication to the welfare of pilgrims.

 

“Our company remains fully committed and prepared to deliver superior services. We have arranged an inspection of the tents in Masha’ir to demonstrate our readiness and reassure NAHCON of our capabilities,” Andergiri said.

 

The Commissioner in charge of Operations, Prince Anofi’u Elegusi, stressed the importance of transparency and clarity, stating “NAHCON must stay fully informed about each stage of service delivery contracts.

 

‘’I urge you to prioritise top-notch sanitation facilities and ensure the highest standards for Nigerian pilgrims.”

Musa said that during the visit to Ekram Aldyf, Saleh reiterated NAHCON’s expectations for excellence.

 

“The success of Saudi authorities in managing pilgrim welfare stems from unwavering commitment to the comfort of Allah’s guests.

 

‘’Our presence here reaffirms our dedication to collaborating proactively and addressing potential challenges collectively, ensuring a memorable pilgrimage experience for Nigerians,” he said.

 

Ekram Aldyf’s leadership assured NAHCON of their complete preparedness, detailing staff allocations and showcasing samples of materials designated for pilgrims during their stay at the Holy sites.

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Hajj commission gets new Secretary
Religious

Hajj commission gets new Secretary

355 total views today

 

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed Dr Mustapha Ali as the new Secretary of the Commission.

 

This is according to a statement by Shafii Sani, Principal Information Officer of the commission on Friday in Abuja.

 

Sani said that Ali’s appointment followed the voluntary resignation of the former secretary,  Dr Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora, after which Alhaji Alidu Shutti took over in acting capacity.

 

“Dr Mustapha Ali emerged successful after meeting the requirements advertised by the commission on its website and other media channels.

 

“His subsequent appointment was endorsed by the 5th Board of the NAHCON after its meeting on Feb. 26 in accordance with Section 8 of the NAHCON Establishment Act (2006),” he said.

 

He said that Ali’s appointment had ensured that North East was now represented in the NAHCON board.

 

Sani said that the new secretary’s experience as former Executive Secretary of Borno state Pilgrims Board was an added advantage.

 

“Ali, born in Yerwa in Maiduguri, Borno State,  will serve as secretary of the commission for a period of four years renewable after the first tenure.

 

“He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree both in Islamic Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and Administration, a Diploma in Computer Application and Internet, and Executive Life Manager Certificate.

 

“He attended University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano and  the University College for Islamic Call, Tripoli, Libya where he excelled in his field of studies,” Sani said.

 

He said that the new NAHCON secretary also attended the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, Yaysib Computer Institute and Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology Maiduguri.

 

“His responsibilities as new Secretary of the commission include keeping records, conducting correspondences, and serving as secretary at all meetings of the commission.

 

“He will also ensure effective reporting of the commission’s activities to the relevant authorities.

 

“The new secretary will see to the maintenance of the register of licensed Hajj operators, facilitation of publication of the commission’s regulations and coordination of the commission’s standard of performance.

 

“It is expected that Ali’s appointment will bring additional value to the commission,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kadiri Abdulrahman

No Nigerian pilgrim will miss 2025 Hajj – Shettima
General News

No Nigerian pilgrim will miss 2025 Hajj – Shettima

413 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that no Nigerian intending pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Shettima stated this during a meeting with the Management and Board of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Monday Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima summoned the meeting following the reported contractual dispute between NAHCON and Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, which may lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.

The Vice-President also emphasised that the 2025 Hajj operations would be hitch free.

Shettima directed the leadership of NAHCON to take all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and unhindered pilgrimage for all the nation’s intending 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,” Shettima assured.

He directed NAHCON leadership to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance.

“From now on, we must have to set the right standards, move in the right direction and have a hitch-free Hajj exercise.”

On the purported contract cancellation with the Saudi-based company, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the issue would not affect the pilgrimage.

“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman said.

He also dismissed allegations by the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions that the contract dispute could truncate the 2025 Hajj operations.

NAN recalls that the Forum through its Secretary, Abubakar Salihu, had raised concern over the cancellation of the service provider contract by the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Saleh Usman.

The forum argued that thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims might not perform the 2025 Hajj due to the cancellation of service provider contract by NAHCON leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Saudi Arabia sponsors Nigerians for lesser Hajj
Foreign

Saudi Arabia sponsors Nigerians for lesser Hajj

467 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo
The Saudi Arabia embassy in Abuja has hosted a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

A statement issued by the embassy in Abuja said the ceremony held under the leadership of Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria.

It said the initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Al Saud, provides Muslims the opportunity to undertake the lesser Hajj with full sponsorship.

The statement quoted the ambassador as thanking King Al Saud and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their dedication to Islam’s holy sites.

He also praised their exceptional leadership in enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and ensuring that their journey to the sacred sites is both spiritually fulfilling and seamless.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour.

” Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” he said.

Al-Ghamdi, according to the statement, said the country had invested over 100 billion dollars in the recent expansion and modernisation of the two holy mosques.

According to him, these ambitious projects, encompassing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims.

He added that Saudi Arabia was sparing no effort in mobilising resources to improve pilgrimage experience for all Muslims.

Al-Ghamdi also emphasised the importance of adhering to the country ‘s laws and regulations, designed to maintain order and ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God.

” This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

Guests at the occasion expressed appreciation for the opportunity made available through the sponsorship initiative.

NAN reports that the programme provides pilgrims with the opportunity to perform the lesser Hajj, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation and other logistics. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email