The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says it is committed to conducting a hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation.

Its executive chairman, Abdullahi Usman, gave the assurance during a meeting with chief executives of state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions held on Wednesday at the Hajj House in Abuja.

He also emphasised the commission’s dedication to overcoming challenges and repositioning the Hajj operation for greater efficiency.

The chairman had outlined several challenges upon assuming office, including unresolved claims and operational bottlenecks that hindered some essential activities’ progress.

Mr Usman, who assured the stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address the challenges of the Hajj operation, urged them to put their heads together to solve the daunting challenges facing the Hajj operation.

He also emphasised the need for all the stakeholders to work as a formidable team to support Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars.

Usman highlighted some of the contentious issues that have been resolved so far, including the refund of 150 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim for poorly rendered electricity services during the 2023 Hajj.

He affirmed that his administration was working tirelessly to settle the two per cent service charges that were earmarked for the state pilgrims board in relation to the 2024 Hajj.

The chairman also pledged to clear all outstanding legitimate claims by the law to lay a solid foundation for a new chapter in NAHCON’s operations.

He called on the 36 states and the FCT chief executives to expedite remittances to the commission to ensure early preparations, including securing affordable and suitable accommodations for pilgrims at Madina, Makkah, and Muna.

He revealed that the commission would visit Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with governors, clerics and traditional rulers to garner support for the 2025 Hajj.

According to him, the first pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia will take place in January 2025, comprising a delegation of members from NAHCON and chief executives of state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards.

He said the delegation would attend Hajj preparation meetings, finalise agreements with service providers, and inspect arrangements in Jeddah.

“I came here with good intentions and a bag full of plans to change and reposition the commission for the better. Let us open a new page and make NAHCON and State Pilgrims Welfare Authorities exemplary institutions for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.

Also, the commissioner-in-charge of operations, Anofi Elegushi, provided updates on the 2025 Hajj calendar.

He distributed a 51-page guiding document from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to streamline operations. The commissioner advised the stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the guidelines and strictly adhere to the operational timelines.

(NAN)