NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Soaring temperature: NAHCON advises pilgrims to stay in tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Foreign

Soaring temperature: NAHCON advises pilgrims to stay in tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised pilgrims to stay in their tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to soaring daytime temperatures during the pilgrimage.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Makkah on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saudi Arabia, through its National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), had on Sunday issued heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025.

The centre urged pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.

The NCM forecasted challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.

Saleh said NAHCON had a stakeholders’ meeting with all the Nigeria Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

He said the boards were mandated to tell their pilgrims that no pilgrim would be allowed out of their  tents in Mina and Arafat due to soaring temperature.

“Yesterday we called all the stakeholders. We met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

“It is not advised to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water.

“If it is necessary to be outside, let them go with water in hand. Let them take their umbrellas and use them, because the temperature is not normal.

The NAHCON chairman urged the media to help the commission to disseminate the information to the pilgrims to adhere to the heatwave warnings.

“So, media, please you are our eyes, you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to adhere to this instruction.”

NAN reports that approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected for the 2025 Hajj. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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

NAHCON takes over Masha’er tent facilities from service providers

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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

Nigerian consulate in Jeddah partners NAHCON on seamless Hajj operation
Foreign

Nigerian consulate in Jeddah partners NAHCON on seamless Hajj operation

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The Consulate in Jeddah has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborate with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) towards ensuring a successful and seamless 2025 Hajj operation.

 

The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said this in a statement issued by Malam Muhammad Musa, Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, in Makkah on Monday.

 

Saleh, who was represented by Deputy Coordinator of NAHCON in Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, said this during a strategic stakeholder engagement held at the consulate in Jeddah.

 

The NAHCON chairman expressed deep appreciation for the Consulate’s past and ongoing support, and expressed confidence that there would be more fruitful collaboration during the 2025 pilgrimage season

 

He acknowledged the vital role the Consulate plays in supporting Nigerian pilgrims through timely consular services and diplomatic facilitation.

 

“We are here to update you on the steady progress we have made in this year’s Hajj operations, particularly the arrangements in the Masha’er areas, which are, so far, on course,” he said.

 

In his remarks, the Consul General, Ibrahim Nayaya, reiterated the Consulate’s full readiness to provide all necessary consular services to Nigerian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

Nayaya, who was represented by Ismail Muhammad, the Deputy Consul General in charge of Hajj operations, assured the delegation of the Consulate’s continuous collaboration to uphold the welfare and safety of all Nigerian pilgrims.

 

According to him, this joint efforts between the Consulate and NAHCON signals a coordinated and proactive approach towards delivering a well-rounded Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims. (NAN)(www.nannews Ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON
Foreign

25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 25,075 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Makkah from Madina with their Nusuk cards.

Alhaji Abdulkadri Oloyin, the Coordinator, Madina NAHCON Office, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it mandatory for pilgrims from all countries participating in the 2025 hajj to have Nusuk cards displaying their details.

The ministry explained that the card was for easy identification of genuine pilgrims as well as for gaining access to the holy sites in Makkah.

Oloyin, who said that no pilgrims left Madina for Makkah without Nusuk cards, said that NAHCON had already collected 25,075 Nusuk cards.

“They have already been collected by Nigeria and distributed to our pilgrims. And if you compare it with the number of those that have left Madina for Makkah, it is accurate.

“Anyone that has not collected it, there may be those who will move among officials ahead, but they have registered them, and they will collect their Nusuk cards.

“As for ordinary pilgrims, all their Nusuk cards have been issued already,” the NAHCON coordinator said.

According to him, NAHCON’s work has been very commendable but in everything, there must be challenges.

“But there is no serious challenge that has not been attended to.

“The biggest challenges that we had when we started the operation in Madina was cooperation from the local authorities,” he said.

Je said that instead of issuing the Nusuk cards in Makkah, the Saudi authorities brought it down to Madina.

He said that this was done to ensure that no pilgrim left Madina for Makkah without having Nusuk.

“This is done so that it will not cause a lot of traffic at the eve of entering Mashair.

“All pilgrims, including officials, were issued an urgent visa. They directed us to drop our passport at the airport.

“The purpose of dropping the passport at the airport is for them to make arrangements for each one of the Nusuk,” 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

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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

NAHCON chairman lauds Madinah team’s feat on smooth Hajj operation
Foreign

NAHCON chairman lauds Madinah team’s feat on smooth Hajj operation

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By Deji Abdulwahab

Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has commended the outstanding efforts of the Madinah team in receiving Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.

The NAHCON boss said this in a statement issued by Hajiya Fatima Usara, the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, in Madinah on Sunday.

He praised the dedication, discipline, and tireless commitment of the Madinah team, describing their round-the-clock efforts in the service of pilgrims as a sacrifice for the success of the pilgrimage.

“As the first point of contact for the pilgrims, the Madinah team has gone above and beyond, sacrificing sleep and comfort to ensure that the pilgrims are warmly received, well-fed, and properly guided.

“Their performance has been truly commendable,” he said.

The NAHCON boss further expressed gratitude to the airlines and other key stakeholders whose contributions have been instrumental in the smooth and successful operations recorded so far.

“The NAHCON management cannot thank the NAHCON staff enough, nor can management adequately appreciate the airlines and other various partners for their seamless cooperation.

“It has been a collective effort, and the results are showing,” the Chairman said.

Saleh assured the public that the focus would soon shift to Makkah, where the next wave of arriving pilgrims would be received.

He gave assurance that the Makkah team was fully prepared and has already braced up to replicate and even exceed the standard set in Madinah.

He expressed deep confidence that pilgrims would enjoy a smooth Hajj experience this year.

The NAHCON boss reaffirmed NAHCON’s resolve to abide by its vision statement: “To provide efficient and effective services to the pilgrims”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

2025 Hajj: Our pilgrims will enjoy quality meals, says NAHCON
General News

2025 Hajj: Our pilgrims will enjoy quality meals, says NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will ensure the contracted catering facilities comply with standards while serving meals to Nigerian pilgrims.

The commission’s Medina Feeding Committee, headed by Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, said this in a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Malam Ahmad Muazu, in Abuja on Friday.

Kabir said this during an inspection to the seven contracted catering facilities in Madina.

“As more than 17,000 Nigerian pilgrims already arrive in Medina for the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON has implemented a rigorous oversight system to ensure consistent quality in its extensive feeding operation.”

According to him, the committee inspectors examine the quality of all food ingredients, verifying that raw materials meet nutritional standards before the preparation process.

“They scrutinise expiration dates on every packaged item, from spices to preserved goods, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for expired products.

“Additionally, inspectors verify strict adherence to NAHCON’s mandate for natural ingredients, prohibiting artificial flavour enhancers and preservatives that could compromise the nutritional value or authenticity of traditional Nigerian dishes.

“These recurring inspections ensure that kitchens maintain compliance with NAHCON’s exacting standards while serving thousands of meals twice daily,” Kabir said.

According to him, the commission’s Medina Feeding Committee, conducts regular inspections of the catering facilities, maintaining vigilant supervision as the massive feeding operation unfolds.

“The continuous monitoring of every aspect of the feeding programme demonstrates an institutional commitment that extends beyond mere sustenance to encompass dignity and cultural respect.”

Kabir said that the committee evaluated all the seven contracted kitchens in Medinah.

The kitchens are Africana Home Restaurant, Amjad Alghraa, Al-Andalus, Mawasim Khairat, Na’a Azad, Zowar Muktara, and Kabala Catering.

He said that the criteria for evaluation include sanitation protocols, equipment functionality, and staff performance.

Kabir added that the inspections extended to workforce composition requiring the employment of Nigerian cooks and support staff within each kitchen operation.

According to him, this provision ensures culturally authentic meal preparation while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians during the Hajj season.

During a meeting with food service providers, Madinah Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulkadir Oloyin, addressed concerns regarding packaging standards.

“The use of substandard containers is categorically unacceptable,” Oloyin said.

Oloyin directed the use of uniform packaging designed to preserve food safety while enhancing the dignity of the dining experience.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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

Hajj: NAHCON’s advance team arrives Saudi Arabia

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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

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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

Pate inspects health facilities for Hajj 2025
Health

Pate inspects health facilities for Hajj 2025

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Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has completed a ministerial inspection of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) medical facilities in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad Musa, Head of Public Affairs, NAHCON, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

Musa said that the visit signals a transformative era in federal dedication to pilgrims healthcare services.

He said that during a visit to NAHCON’s Ummul-Jud office,  Pate assured NAHCON of a comprehensive support towards tackling critical healthcare challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims.

“His statement underscored a profound federal resolve, reflecting heightened prioritisation of pilgrim welfare by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Our commitment is clear. Given the global health landscape ranging from meningitis outbreaks to polio concerns it is imperative we meet and exceed Saudi Arabia’s health requirements.

“Ensuring credible vaccination documentation, including yellow cards for all Nigerian pilgrims, is non-negotiable,” Musa quoted Pate as saying.

 

Musa said the health minister, who was accompanied by senior health ministry delegates, inspected NAHCON’s ambulance fleet, reviewed medical supplies inventories, and assessed equipment readiness at Nigerian health clinics.

He pointed out that the visit highlighted key areas for improvement, including increasing availability of essential medicines, vaccines, medical apparatus, and operational ambulances.

NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, lauded the Minister’s initiative, emphasising its significance.

“Your presence and involvement signify an extraordinary commitment that bolsters confidence in our healthcare delivery. This unprecedented engagement will undeniably facilitate a smoother and safer 2025 Hajj experience for our pilgrims.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an approximately 70,000 Nigerians annually performed the sacred pilgrimage.

Pate’s direct engagement underscores an essential advancement in governmental oversight and proactive healthcare planning during this significant Islamic ritual.

The minister also addressed emerging concerns, notably climate-induced extreme hot weather during the 2025 upcoming Hajj, committing to proactive measures to safeguard pilgrims’ well-being.

This inspection is expected to foster enhanced interagency collaboration between the Health Ministry and NAHCON as well as ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive exceptional medical care during their spiritual journey.

NAHCON reiterates its unwavering dedication to transparency, exceptional service delivery and the continuous enhancement of pilgrim welfare.

The inspection was also witnessed by the Commissioner Operations, PRSILS and PPMF, Prince Anofi’u Elegusi, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Prince Abdul-Razaq Aliyu, and the Board Member representing the Federal Health Ministry Dr Sa’edu Dumbulwa.

Also in attendance were Secretary to the Commission, Dr Mustapha Ali, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Saudi liaison officer, Abubakar Lamin and other NAHCON staff.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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