Vice President Kashim Shettima has guaranteed that no Nigerian intending pilgrim will be denied the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Shettima made this assurance on Monday during a meeting with the Management and Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting was convened following concerns over a contractual dispute between NAHCON and the Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, which raised fears of possible visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.
The vice president stressed that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure a smooth and seamless Hajj operation in 2025.
“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” Shettima stated.
He directed NAHCON to take immediate action to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims and ensure their full participation without any obstacles.
“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance. From now on, we must set the right standards, move in the right direction, and ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the contract dispute, NAHCON Chairman, Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the situation would not affect the pilgrimage.
“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman affirmed.
This reassurance comes amid concerns raised by the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions. The forum had warned that the contract cancellation by NAHCON leadership could potentially disrupt the 2025 Hajj operations.
However, Usman dismissed these fears, emphasizing that preparations for the pilgrimage remain on track.
