Tag: NAHCON

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Usman, has hailed President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over their interventions on cash Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for intending pilgrims to perform the 2025 Hajj.

Usman said the cashless payment method of BTA for intending pilgrims introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would have affected the Commission’s arrangements for seamless 2025 Hajj exercise.

The CBN had approved the Commission’s request to grant cash transactions for pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj exercise.

He said the Commission would work closely with relevant stakeholders especially the CBN to resolve the issue.

Usman said: “I must sincerely commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Their interventions reinforced their commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

“We will work closely with relevant stakeholders especially the CBN to resolve the BTA via ATM or cash riddles. The world is fast changing. This has made it imperative for Hajj handlers to be proactive in keeping pace with technological advancements.

“Our major concern here is that the majority of Nigerian pilgrims are rural dwellers who are not conversant with Nigeria’s banking processes.

“However, ATM machines in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are grossly inadequate to cover the needs of over two or three million pilgrims. One hardly finds five of such machines in the vicinity the pilgrims stay in the two holy cities.

“But after this year’s Hajj exercise, the Commission would sit with stakeholders under the guidance of the Vice President to find a lasting solution to the challenges.”

Usman revealed that an advance team of the National Medical Team would depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on the 30th of this month.

He added that the team was inaugurated under his able leadership.

Read Also: 2025 Hajj: NAHCON chair lauds Tinubu, Shettima over intervention on cash BTA for Pilgrims

He stated: “The advance medical team was expected to be in Saudi Arabia at least nine days before the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims to the holy land.

“They will be adequately prepared for the tasks ahead of them. We assure our pilgrims that the team is more capable of attending to their health needs throughout their stay.”

The Chairman further stated that it was imperative for the team to be on ground to ensure that all Nigeria’s clinics in both Makkah and Madinah are fully stocked with the necessary drugs and other sundry medical requirements.

He advised pilgrims with health challenges to disclose them to relevant authorities for proper documentation, adequate provision of medicaments, and or professional advice.

He stated: “I also call on state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions to adequately educate their pilgrims on the need to guard themselves against the forecasted heatwave in the holy land during this year’s Hajj exercise.

“All pilgrims should avoid loitering and wandering aimlessly to protect themselves from sun and or heat strokes.”

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Saleh Usman, has dismissed as baseless the complaints raised by non-executive board members against him.

The allegations, which pertain to procurement activities, the purchase of official vehicles for non-executive members, limited access to his office, refusal to attend to board members, non-payment of entitlements/allowances, and the unclear role of non-executive members, were all refuted by Professor Usman.

In response, the NAHCON chairman denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as mere distractions orchestrated by saboteurs.

“Every member’s entitlements are accorded to them according to the rules of the office,” he said in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, saying it was imperative for him to respond to the allegations and complaints.

“It is imperative to note that by virtue of their position, these non-executive board members have no any specific role, in either procurement Act or the NAHCON Act, particularly in procurement and administrative activities.

“Rule 2 of the NAHCON Act clearly stipulates the status and function of all members of the Board. It says ‘The Chairman and three full members of the Commission shall serve on full-time basis. The remaining six members, at least two of whom should be women, who shall serve on part-time basis,” he said.

Professor Saleh said the claim of the Board member representing North East Alh Abba Jato, “whom I considered as the most honourable and humble, is also baseless.“

Read Also: Minister inspects NAHCON’s health facilities in Saudi Arabia

“Before my coming to the Commission as the Chairman, it was the tradition to take two members of these non-executive Board members to participate in the pre-visit contingent.”

“During the Commission’s first pre-Hajj visit to the KSA under my leadership, two of these non-executive members namely: Haj Aisha Obi a representative of the South East and Alh Abba Jato, a representative of the North East, were nominated to participate and they actively participated in all the pre-visit exercise.

“All their traveling allowances, which includes Air Tickets, Visa, Estacode and Telephone and local transport were fully paid,” he said.

He said the records are available in the Commission, as there was no time a Board member was co-opted at the Kingdom to partake in any of the off-shore activities or sponsored himself/herself for any pre-Hajj visit, as claimed by Alh Abba Jato.

On the claim that, non-executive Board members were not given official vehicles, he said the NAHCON Act does not support it and the Commission has never bought a vehicle to any member in the past.

“Also, the claim that non-Executive members could not access entry into the Chairman’s office is not true. It is a well-known fact that, since I assumed office, I operates an open-door policy, not only for the Board members but for all the staff of the Commission, all stakeholders and even official visitors.”

He called on all Executive and non-Executive members of the Board, all members of NAHCON staff, State Executive of Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Commissions/Agencies, Private operators and other relevant stakeholders to come together, unite as a single NAHCON family and put all hands on deck, in order to have a successful and hitch free Hajj operation.

Professor Saleh Usman, commended President Tinubu and his Vice President Kashim Shettima for their believe in him and also their efforts in ensuring a 2025 hitch free Hajj operation.

He assured the President and his Vice president that the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage would be one of the best the Country would be proud of.

Anti-Graft agencies and the Office of the Auditor- General for the Federation (OAGF) have been asked to beam their searchlights on the financial records of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The House of Representatives urged the bodies to carry out comprehensive external audit of the commission, including the N90 billion federal subsidy for the 2024 hajj operations.

Specifically, the Green Chamber, which could verify the authenticity of the list provided to it by the commission, directed the anti-corruption agencies to probe NAHCON’s claim that it sponsored 1000 officials from the subsidy.

The recommendation followed the adoption of the report of the ad hoc committee that investigated the commission and the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare aboard over the shoddy treatment of Nigerians during last year’s Hajj operation.

The House also asked the government to carry out a review and renegotiation of the questionable Bilateral Air Agreement that allows Saudi-owned airlines to airlift 50% of Nigerian pilgrims to the detriment of domestic airlines who have consistently shown capacity in pilgrims airlift.

The House said that that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria should henceforth publish a transparent and detailed breakdown of all Hajj charges, justifying each cost to prevent hidden fees and financial mismanagement.

Read Also: NAHCON’S forward March to 2025 Hajj

The commission has a mandate to ensure a uniform fee structure for all pilgrims, with clear and justified cost variations, where applicable and carry out an upward review of the $500 Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) to a more reasonable amount that can adequately supports pilgrims during the pilgrimage.

On pilgrims accommodation and welfare in the holy land, the House asked the commission to decentralise accommodation management and allow State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and private tour operators (PTOs) to be part of negotiating benchmark prices for pilgrims’ accommodation.

It also has the task to establish a service rating system for accommodation providers; thereby ensuring that providers meet set standards before being contracted; while ensuring timely fund disbursements for accommodation to preventing last-minute reallocations that force pilgrims into substandard hotels.

It must implement an effective refund mechanism for pilgrims if accommodations or services fall below agreed standards and impose penalties for poor performance for service providers who fail to meet their obligations.

In addition, the commission should establish an effective pilgrim complaints and resolution unit to handle grievances related to accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other services as well as a transparent system for the issuance of official Hajj visas to registered tour operators, ensuring that they receive visas proportionate to the number of pilgrims they manage, and maintain a publicly accessible records of all visa distributions to prevent corruption and manipulation.

Warning against unilateral decisions, the House urged NAHCON to engage tour operators, airlines and state pilgrims welfare boards, and regulatory agencies in decision-making processes, rather than making unilateral decisions and strengthens its enforcement capacity to ensure that service providers, tour operators and state boards comply with set Hajj standards.

On pilgrims’ feeding, the House asked the Hajj commission to contract Nigerian food caterers to prepare culturally-appropriate meals for pilgrims and introduce rigorous quality control checks for catering services, to ensure hygienic and nutritious meals for pilgrims.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, yesterday visited the Nigerian Hajj Affairs Office in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to discuss with management of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on health care support for the pilgrims.

Prof Pate said the ministry is ready to work with NAHCON on provision of healthcare in three phases; pre-Hajj, Hajj period and at the post Hajj to ensure a successful healthcare delivery operation for the 2025 Hajj.

He said his ministry will help in providing medicines and medical equipments as well as the Yellow Card in good time.

Prof Pate reiterated Federal Government’s commitment in giving priority to its pilgrims’ wellbeing.

NAHCON Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, thanked the minister for honouring NAHCON’s invitation to inspect its medical facilities and equipments in Makkah.

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Prof Usman solicited more support from the Federal Government in providing ambulances which are desperately needed for the Hajj operations.

NAHCON Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Prof Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, thanked the minister for the visit.

Prof Yagawal appealed to him to help provide the commission with full functional ambulances as those available is out of service.

The minister, after taken round the facilities for inspection, reaffirmed the necessity of having functional ambulances during hajj operations.

Prof Pate promised that his ministry would work on the commission’s request before the Hajj season sets in.

He assured Prof Usman-led commission that his ministry would continue to provide adequate medical assistance for Nigerian Pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved a grace of Ramadan fast period to enable intending pilgrims to register for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

This is contained in a statement by the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, on Saturday in Abuja, to mark the 2025 Ramadan fast.

He congratulated the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the Ramadan fast, sressing that, “it is a time of profound spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and renewed devotion to Allah (SWT).

“It is a period when the doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open, and the rewards for good deeds are multiplied.”

Usman reitrated commitment of the commission to meet the need of the Muslim faithful, and ensure successful conduct of the Hajj exercise.

“It is in the light of this that a period of grace is given to enable intending pilgrims register and make payments for their participation in the 2025 Hajj.

“We pray that Allah grants us the strength and wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities for the betterment of our communities,” he said.

Read Also: FEC extends Ramadan greetings to Nigerians

According to Usman, Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and prayers, but also an opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds, show compassion to the less privileged, and also seek Allah’s guidance in our endeavors.

“Let us use this month to purify our hearts, renew our intentions, and strive for excellence in our worship and daily conduct.

“I enjoin us all to rid ourselves of negativity that may hold back our progress as a nation, and to fast with all sincerity, seeking increased blessings for our nation and its leaders.

“Let us also pray for the success of this year’s Hajj operation, and for the safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims.

“May Allah bless us all and grant us the strength to maximise the blessings of this holy month.”

(NAN)

In a bid to further reduce the hajj fare, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to waive the two per cent charge imposed on pilgrims’ funds.

He said that its removal would significantly reduce Hajj fares for Nigerian pilgrims.

Speaking in Abuja, Prof Saleh stated that one of his major priorities since assuming office was to reduce the cost of Hajj, making it more affordable for Muslims across the country.

“I am confident that lowering Hajj fares will bring relief to our pilgrims, leaders, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” he said.

He explained that he had engaged key service providers, including airliners, Masha’ir service providers, accommodation providers, and transportation companies, in collaboration with the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies.

He highlighted that these negotiations had already yielded significant reductions in various service costs:

On Masha’ir Services, he said pilgrims were charged 4,770 Saudi Riyals last year, but following discussions, NAHCON secured a reduction of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim.

He said: “On accommodation in Madinah, the cost per bed space was 5,000 Riyals last year, but a reduction of 200 Riyals per pilgrim has been achieved. Last year’s transportation cost stood at 1,300 Riyals per pilgrim, but this year, we successfully negotiated a 130 Riyal reduction per pilgrim. We have worked on the airfare: Given Nigeria’s geographical diversity, airfare costs vary across regions. However, we have secured a $399 reduction per pilgrim.

Read Also: NAHCON fixes N8.3m as 2025 Hajj fare for north, N8.7m for southern states  

“These reductions have significantly impacted the overall Hajj fare, and we are still expecting further adjustments.”

While noting that NAHCON is not requesting government subsidies, Prof Saleh appealed to authorities to consider selling dollars to the commission at the official government exchange rate. He stated that this measure, if approved, would further lower Hajj fares.

“We have estimated the dollar exchange rate at ₦1,550, ₦1,600, and ₦1,650, but given the fluctuations, we settled on a moderate rate. If we secure a reduction in forex rates, we will refund any savings to the pilgrims,” he said.

The commission boss also called on state governors to support their respective pilgrims board by providing loans that would enable them to settle payments with NAHCON before the final payment deadline set by Saudi authority.

On the deadline for Hajj fare payments, the NAHCON Chairman clarified that the commission has no control over the deadline but can only appeal to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj for an extension if necessary. 

He urged intending pilgrims to complete their payments promptly to avoid any last-minute issues.

Prof Saleh also called on State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies and stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, ensuring that intending pilgrims understand the importance of timely payment and proper preparation for a successful Hajj pilgrimage.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed between N8.3 million and N8.7 million as the fares for this year’s hajj.

NAHCON’s Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who announced the fares, said they were fixed after the approval of the Office of the Vice President.

He said: “For Borno and Adamawa zone, intending pilgrims are expected to pay N8,327,125.59. Similarly, the cost for intending pilgrims from Southern states is N8,784,085.59, while others from the Northern zone will pay N8,457,685.59.”

A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that Prof. Usman and his team, in collaboration with the representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who is the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, did their best to keep the Hajj fares within the previous range.

Read Also: NAHCON announces over N8 million fare for 2025 hajj

Others privy to fixing the fares are leaders of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, namely the forum’s chairman who doubles as the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura; his colleague in Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro; their Secretary, who is also the Executive Secretary of the forum in Adamawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, among others.

Usara stressed that the modest effort on the fares was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in the decision-making process.

Saleh hailed the team, describing the Hajj fares as a product of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders.

He expressed appreciation for the support of the Presidency and the Forum of State Executive Secretaries.

The NAHCON boss urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Monday announced the official fare for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, revealing a significant increase from previous years.

Pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa states will pay ₦8,327,125.59, while those from the northern zone are charged ₦8,457,685.59. Southern states face the highest fare of ₦8,784,085.59.

This was made known in a statement signed by Fatimah Usara, NAHCON’s spokesperson, and approved by Vice President Kashim Shettima after extensive consultations.

Usara emphasised efforts to prevent fares from skyrocketing, with contributions from NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh, the Forum of State Executive Secretaries (FSEC), and other key stakeholders.

The fare adjustment follows a history of rising costs, with the 2024 pilgrimage initially pegged at ₦4.5 million, later increasing to ₦4.9 million, and adjusted to ₦8.5 million for new registrants. In contrast, pilgrims with deposits paid ₦6.8 million last year.

NAHCON attributed the new fare structure to collaborative efforts aimed at inclusivity and advised prospective pilgrims to adhere to timelines, follow Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, and make early payments to avoid inconvenience.

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The statement reads in part: “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.”