Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-driven Civil Society Organization actively engaged in Hajj and Umrah advocacy, has praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the participating airlines, state pilgrims welfare boards, and service providers in Saudi Arabia, for their coordinated and efficient handling of Hajj 2025 operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the CSO acknowledged that so far, over 21,075 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted to Saudi Arabia with minimal disruptions or delays.
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Muhammed highlighted that reports reaching the organization confirm that key stakeholders have remained diligent and proactive in ensuring a smooth process.
“We are particularly delighted that nearly all the Nigerian pilgrims—except for 547 from Kano State—have been transported directly to Madinah. This achievement reflects the commitment and synergy among all parties involved,” the statement noted.
IHR also extended its appreciation to state officials for their swift mobilization of pilgrims to designated transit camps, and commended the airlines for their consistent adherence to flight schedules. Additionally, the organization lauded the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for simplifying the visa issuance process, which has historically posed challenges for Nigerian pilgrims.
“So far, there have been no reported cases of complaints regarding Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), accommodation arrangements in Madinah, or feeding services. The NAHCON advance team has been exemplary in discharging their duties. We commend their dedication and encourage them to maintain this level of service delivery,” IHR stated.
While celebrating the milestones achieved, IHR called on all stakeholders to sustain their efforts as pilgrims transition from Madinah to Makkah, where they will spend approximately 29 to 30 days, significantly longer than the 4 to 5 days in Madinah.
“This phase is crucial as it will test the effectiveness of the service arrangements, especially concerning accommodation, feeding, and transportation,” the statement emphasized.
Furthermore, the organization advised private tour operators—whose clients will soon commence their journey to the Holy Land—to learn from the commendable practices already in place to ensure a seamless experience for their pilgrims.
“We would like to remind all stakeholders that the real test will begin on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, as pilgrims proceed to the Mashair areas for the core Hajj rites. Traditionally, issues around feeding and bed space allocation in Mina have been recurring concerns. We urge the relevant authorities to proactively address these potential challenges,” IHR concluded.
