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General News

NAHCON approves Max Air for 2025 Hajj

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Max Air

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved Max Air to transport intending pilgrims from Jigawa for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Labbo, announced this in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesman, Mr Habibu Yusuf, on Thursday in Dutse.

“NAHCON has officially appointed Max Air as the designated airline for airlifting Jigawa State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj,” Labbo stated.

He explained that the decision followed a management meeting and the signing of an agreement with airlines at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

Labbo expressed satisfaction with NAHCON’s extensive preparations and assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for a smooth journey for the pilgrims.

He added that the travelling bags and uniforms for the state’s intending pilgrims are ready for collection.

Labbo further reassured the intending pilgrims of a seamless experience at home and abroad.

According to him, selecting Max Air as an air carrier for the 2025 Hajj reflects NAHCON’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and comfort for all pilgrims.

Labbo also commended Gov. Umar Namadi for his continued support and leadership, which have made the board’s operations transformative and successful. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Religious

NAHCON remains committed to pilgrims’ spiritual wellbeing- Official

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will continue to strive in giving a transformative example for an ethical governance.

 

This is with the vision of reaffirming its commitment to the spiritual well-being of every Nigerian Pilgrim at the Holy Lands of Makkah and Madinah.

 

Muhammad Musa, NAHCON Head of Public Affairs, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

 

Musa said that the commission has been striving for best services in its mission to secure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj for the Nigerian Pilgrims.

 

‘’Its leadership has navigated a maze of bureaucratic red tape in an environment marked by relentless opposition, with a quest for transparency and reforms which has become a beacon of hope for millions of devoted believers.

 

‘’The journey towards meaningful change in Hajj management began with the courageous leadership of figures such as Sheikh Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi. (He was) targeted by a group of ethnic sheikhs, involved in defrauding Pilgrims.’’

 

He said that the new Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has vowed to take up the mantle of reform with determination in collaboration with his team.

 

Musa said that Usman also pledged to introduce initiatives aimed at streamlining Hajj operations and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian Pilgrims.

 

‘’As usual, these progressive measures could provoke fierce backlash, smear campaigns and covert acts of sabotage that may derail progress and undermine public confidence in the reform movement.

 

‘’Against the odds, Professor Usman reiterated his determination to assert that only services commensurate to Pilgrims’ value for their money would be accepted because it is a sacred trust that must never be compromised.

 

‘’For the Nigerian Pilgrims, an efficiently managed Hajj industry is essential to ensuring a spiritually enriching Hajj experience.

 

‘’When the Hajj stakeholders operates with integrity, every Pilgrim embarks on their journey with confidence and dignity, assured that their sacred pilgrimage is handled with the utmost care and respect,’’ he said.

 

Musa said that the new reforms were not only simply a policy issue but a commitment to honour, responsibility and ethical governance.

 

He called for public support for these transformative changes, adding that it would empower every reform-minded leader to challenge entrenched negative practices.

 

Musa also urged government officials, Hajj managers, reform advocates and Pilgrims to unite in the pursuit of a system that honours both the spiritual and logistical dimensions of the pilgrimage.

 

‘’The journey towards comprehensive reform is fraught with peril, the promise of a more transparent and respectful Hajj continues to inspire change across Nigeria.

 

‘’This collective effort reinforces the NAHCON’s commitment to ethical governance and will ensure that the Hajj remains a spiritual journey defined by honour and collective responsibility,’’ Musa said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

General News

NAHCON reiterates commitment to Pilgrims’ welfare

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it is engaging with the Saudi service provider, Mashariq al Dhahabia, over alleged contract breach.

 

NAHCON head of Public Affairs, Muhammad Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Musa said that the NAHCON has a record of keeping to contractual commitments since its inception.

 

“NAHCON has been honouring all contractual commitments, upholding the standards of transparency and accountability.

 

“On January 17, 2025, during a pre-Hajj visit following the Hajj exhibition, NAHCON and Mashariq al Dhahabia entered into an agreement to provide ground and Masha’ir services for Nigerian States’ Pilgrims.

 

“The decision to supplement Mashariq’s services with an additional provider was made after identifying operational challenges specifically, issues with Mashariq’s listing on the Saudi Visa Portal, Nusuk,” Musa said.

 

He said in spite of the identified challenges and to ensure pilgrim welfare, NAHCON’s proactive decision to engage a supplementary provider was driven by the need to meet stringent Saudi deadlines and to ensure uninterrupted service to Nigerian Pilgrims.

 

“NAHCON is also committed to excellence, transparency and the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims in service provision of this sacred journey.

 

“Subsequent corrective actions by Mashariq al Dhahabia, NAHCON’s proactive decision to engage a supplementary provider was driven by the need to meet stringent Saudi deadlines and to ensure uninterrupted service to Nigerian Pilgrims.”

 

He said NAHCON would continue to explore all corrective measures to settle all perceived misunderstandings arising from the alleged legal action to be taken by the said service provider, Mashariq al Dhahabia.

 

He said all action by NAHCON would be guided by the mission to guarantee optimum service to Nigerian pilgrims.

 

“NAHCON firmly rejects any attempt to create confusion or compromise the welfare of the Nigerian Pilgrims.

 

“Instead the Commission’s strategy is to foster a competitive environment that is aimed at reducing costs and enhancing service quality.

 

“NAHCON remains steadfast in its commitment to contractual integrity and the well-being of the Nigerian Pilgrims.

 

“The Commission will continue striving to operate with transparency and accountability, undeterred by allegations or attempts to undermine its mission.”(NAN)

IS

 

Metro

NAHCON announces fare for 2025 hajj

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed N8.7 million as the Hajj fare for the intending pilgrims from Southern States and N8.3 million for those  from Borno and Adamawa Zone.

 

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Usman also said that intending pilgrims from the Northern Zone would pay N8.4 million as Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

The NAHCON boss described the hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all the stakeholders.

 

He appreciated the support of the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

 

” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.

 

” The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

” The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million.

 

” Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8. 78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8. 46 million..”

 

He said the leadership of NAHCON, in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, did their best to maintain the hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

 

” This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

 

” For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. ”

 

The chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and the Saudi guidelines, while emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that intending pilgrims who benefited from the Federal Government’s N90 billion Hajj intervention across the zones paid N6.8 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

 

However, intending pilgrims who paid their Hajj fare after the subsidy from Borno and Adamawa zone paid N8.2million.

 

Similarly, those from the North zone paid N8.2 million while intending pilgrims from the Southern zone paid N8.4 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.(NAN) (www.nannewss.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

FG approves 4 airlines for 2025 hajj operation – NAHCON

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has approved four airlines as official air carriers to transport intending pilgrims for the 2025 hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Usman explained that the four airlines were selected out of the 11 companies that submitted applications to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Muslims pilgrimage.

According to Usman, the four approved airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, a Saudi Arabia designated airline, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.

The NAHCON boss said that the airlines were screened and shortlisted by a team of 32 members that were inaugurated by the NAHCON on Nov. 26, 2024.

He said that the composition of the Aviation Screening Committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three members from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He also said that some members of the committee were drawn from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Similarly, Prof. Usman said that one member each was drawn from Nigerian Customs’ Service (NCS) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Others, he listed, were NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry.

The NAHCON boss also disclosed that three excess cargo carriers were selected for the hajj operations.

He named them to include; Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd, Cargozeal Technology Ltd and Qualla Investment Ltd.,

The Chairman, who congratulated the successful companies, urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as promised during the screening.

Meanwhile, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfatah Masahat, at the signing ceremony.

The event was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to formalise this year’s Hajj engagements. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

General News

2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3bn to states, tour operators

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disbursed N4.4 billion refund to the 36 states’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces.

The Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Musa said the refund was pertaining to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj.

“In addition, the commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj.

”This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.

“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.”

According to Musa, all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj, are advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.

“Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.

“The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their Hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims boards.

“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.

“This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy,” Musa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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