Make hajj operations seamless

The return of the last batch of pilgrims on July 2, 2025 marked the end of the 2025 Hajj operations. This year’s exercise saw the participation of 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims who successfully completed one of the five pillars of Islam. It is gratifying to note that both the outbound and inbound airlift was completed with […]

The return of the last batch of pilgrims on July 2, 2025 marked the end of the 2025 Hajj operations. This year’s exercise saw the participation of 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims who successfully completed one of the five pillars of Islam.

It is gratifying to note that both the outbound and inbound airlift was completed with little hitches. This is in spite of the numerous controversies involving key officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which at a point necessitated the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Some of these issues persisted even in Saudi Arabia but we were lucky that they did not affect the ability of the Nigerian pilgrims to perform this sacred duty.

Also, reports have it that some teething problems which featured with almost every exercise persisted even though there was marked improvements in others.

Some key issues include the less efficient medical services offered to pilgrims, which left many of them with no option than to patronise Saudi hospitals which are some distance away from their hotels.

Similarly, there was the problem of location of hotels assigned to Nigerian pilgrims. Most of them were located far away from the Holy Mosques in Mecca and Madina. This often forces pilgrims to incur more cost in transporting themselves to these holy sites.

But by far the most important issue that require urgent attention by both NAHCON and state pilgrims agencies is the screening of the intending pilgrims. It was an embarrassing scenario when the Saudi authorities announced the arrest of two relations of a well -known bandit. This represents a major security breach which calls for the implementation of urgent measures to prevent future occurrence. Nigeria cannot afford to be portrayed as lax in security in the eyes of the international community. All state pilgrim agencies must tighten their screening process to ensure that only those who will not present any security breach are cleared to perform this sacred duty are allowed to do so. Our security agencies must key into this to ensure we do not have a repeat of the situation.

Similarly, state pilgrims agencies need to tighten the screening of their female pilgrims to stop those who are pregnant from embarking on the journey.

However, a more important issue is for early preparation for the next year’s pilgrimage. This is the time to start. Already the Saudi Arabian government had issued timetable for the next pilgrimage which clearly sets out schedule of events. There is, therefore no excuse for us to lag behind in meeting any of the deadlines. NAHCON must lead the way in ensuring both state pilgrims agencies and licensed tour operators follow strictly the laid down schedule.

Daily Trust believes that an early start will guarantee the securing of good and affordable accommodation as well as other services for our pilgrims. This must also start with working towards fixing a fare for the exercise to enable intending pilgrims secure the amount. We understand that due to volatility of the foreign exchange, it is difficult to arrive at a definite fare but given experiences gathered over years, it would not be difficult to have a starting point.

Many countries have already started along this line and Nigeria should not be seen to be lagging behind. It is time to put a stop to fire brigade approach.

Equally important, we urge NAHCON to put its house in order to avoid a repeat of the problems that nearly marred this year’s exercise. It does not augur well for NAHCON which is viewed with high esteem, or the nation for this important exercise be enmeshed in unnecessary squabbles among its principal officers.

The starting point is to ensure transparency in the conduct of the affairs of NAHCON and ensure all stakeholders are carried along.

NAHCON officials must always remember the commission’s main duty is to regulate the system and ensure strict adherence to terms of operations by both state pilgrims agencies and tour operators.

Hajj officials must also bear in their minds the enormous responsibility entrusted to them especially given that their clients struggle over many years to fulfil a life time ambition.