Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year millions of pilgrims throng the blessed cities of Makka and Madina to perform one of the most rewarding religious rites. For Nigerian pilgrims, the hajj experience has historically been a mix of spiritual fulfillment and logistical challenges.
This year, the apex hajj regulatory body in Nigeria the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has injected fresh perspectives in hajj management and has been championing efforts to streamline and enhance the pilgrimage operations, ensuring a smooth experience for all those involved.
By the law establishing the commission, NAHCON is tasked with the responsibility of regulating, and supervising Hajj operations in Nigeria and so far the commission is living up to expectation. Today, under the proactive leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Pakistan NAHCON has made significant strides in improving the organization of the annual ritual event.
Since assuming office, the new face of NAHCON has been working tirelessly to ensure that the 2025 pilgrims record one of the most successful operations in the world’s most populous religious activity. So far the commission has recorded monumental successes unprecedented in hajj management in Nigeria. It has secured the best deals for Nigerian pilgrims and is still working to ensure that the 2025 pilgrims enjoy their spiritual experience to the fullest.
One must appreciate the commitment of Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman led NAHCON to transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations. He has set a benchmark and raised the bar by laying a more solid foundation for future hajj exercise. The best we can do is to contribute our quota and urge them to sustain the momentum.
However, achieving a truly seamless Hajj requires pragmatic and collective efforts of all stakeholders including the NAHCON, government agencies, States pilgrims’ welfare boards, airline operators, tour operators, the media, and pilgrims themselves. Every stakeholder must play an integral role with due diligence if Nigeria is to record huge success in the execution of the 2025 hajj
State Pilgrim Welfare Boards
The Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards in Nigeria plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj. Effective collaboration between the states and NAHCON is essential for smooth and successful organization of the 2025 Hajj. As key stakeholders, the boards must enhance their operational efficiency and work closely with NAHCON and the airlines for effective and uninterrupted airlift of pilgrims
It is also incumbent on the welfare boards to organize orientation and sensitization programs to educate pilgrims on Hajj rites and expectations and also ensure that their pilgrims are healthy and morally ready to undertake the journey
It will also not be out of place to strongly advise both NAHCON and the state welfare boards to ensure that only qualified and well-trained officials with the fear of Allah are sent to offer guidance and support to pilgrims from start to finish.
Hajj operation comes with challenges; therefore, a strong partnership between SMPWBs and the commission will ensure better coordination in addressing the challenges. The Boards must fully cooperate with the regulatory agency to ensure uniform policy implementation and support NAHCON deliver a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
Airline Operators
In Nigeria and many other countries, the success of air transportation is a determinant factor in successful hajj operation. Unnecessary delays, poor scheduling, and limited flight capacity have often resulted in unnecessary hardship for pilgrims.
To ensure seamless and memorable hajj, airline operators must work closely with NAHCON to ensure the timely and efficient airlifting of pilgrims. The selection of airlines by NAHCON well ahead of time is commendable. The decision must have given the airlines ample time to prepare and seek all necessary clearance and ensure proper documentation with relevant agencies in Nigeria and most importantly the Saudi authorities.
As critical stakeholders, the four airlines approved by the federal government for this year’s hajj must not only respect the terms of their contract and keep to schedules but also prove that they are good to do business with. Air Peace, Fly-Nas, Max Air, and Umza Aviation Services must do everything possible to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best possible services which is the ultimate target of the Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman’s led NAHCON
The Media
The media as the fourth estate of the realm plays a pivotal role in hajj management with its objective and unbiased reportage. I on behalf of the Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team NHMST under the leadership of Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta therefore make a passionate plea for journalists to be objective as always in the coverage of hajj activities.
As critical stakeholders, journalists covering the 2025 hajj and beyond must see ourselves as ambassadors and strictly adhere to journalistic principles and always stay up-to-date with current news and events. The media must support NAHCON with objective reportage and ensure that facts are cross-checked before going to press. It is clear that NAHCON has a high expectation on the media and also other key stakeholders in hajj matters as the commission navigates through the hassles of hajj management.
The journalist has a dual role as both a reporter and a key stakeholder which confers on him the responsibility of making the 2025 hajj a memorable spiritual experience. To achieve this therefore, the journalist covering hajj must be led by the ethics of the profession and also work in accordance with Saudi’s guidelines for hajj coverage before, during and after the rituals. Just like any pilgrim, the journalist too would want to have a successful hajj at the end of which one can look back with pride on how his work had impacted positively on hajj management, and will be full of joy when he is presented with his works by Allah on the day of reckoning.
The Pilgrim
The NAHCON’s boss has repeatedly made it clear that his primary objective is the welfare of pilgrims. However, without the support and cooperation of the pilgrims, achieving this noble objective may be a mirage. While both NAHCON and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to improve the Hajj experience, pilgrims themselves have a role to play in ensuring a successful hajj operation.
Intending pilgrims must comply with guidelines, attend pre-Hajj orientation programs, and adhere to the rules and regulations set by both Nigerian and Saudi authorities. A Pilgrim must know and should constantly remind himself that he is the guest of Allah, a Muslim and Nigeria’s ambassador in the Holy Land.
This bestows on the pilgrim the responsibility of exhibiting high sense of decorum. Patience, discipline, and respect for constituted authorities by pilgrims will go a long way in reducing logistical challenges and other administrative hiccups. As a pilgrim, one must conduct himself in the most respectful and dignifying manner worthy of the guest of Allah and also as an ambassador, Nigeria expects nothing less
Conclusion
A seamless Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims is achievable with the combined efforts of NAHCON, government agencies, airline operators, tour providers, the media, and pilgrims themselves. All stakeholders must prioritize the welfare of pilgrims they vow to serve and should always remember that Hajj is a spiritual matter which definitely supersedes personal or any parochial interest.
Today’s NAHCON has injected fresh perspectives into hajj management and has aligned with Saudi guidelines and deadlines, a feat worth commending. Professor Usman’s pragmatic initiatives and insatiable desire for a seamless hajj despite all challenges is a record for posterity. His initiatives are not just reforms for the 2025 hajj but pillars and investments for the future
NAHCON is truly on the golden path to success and is set to make history. With zeal and sheer determination of all stakeholders to push forward, the ship anchored by our amiable chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman will surely cruise to the shore
