BY: ISMAIL YUSUF MAKWARARI, KANO
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Sheikh Abdullahi Sale, has vowed that the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage will mark a historic departure from past challenges.
He promised Nigerian pilgrims a hitch free pilgrimage full of comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment.
Sheik Sale made the declaration during a live interview on Africa TV3 in Kano, moderated by the station’s Director General, Dr. Tijjani, as part of a special program highlighting preparations for the 2025 Hajj season.
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Sheikh Sale emphasized that his leadership is committed to resolving long standing issues such as accommodation shortages, inadequate feeding, and healthcare gaps.
Reflecting on his tenure as Kano State Hajj Commission Chairman, he stated, “My goal is to ensure Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj with ease, joy, and dignity, free from the logistical hurdles of the past.”
To address accommodation concerns, NAHCON has secured over 52,000 premium housing units across Nigerian states, with an additional 20,000 units reserved for pilgrims using private tour operators. Sheikh Sale confirmed partnerships with Saudi authorities to ensure quality lodging, proper room allocations, and nutritious meals. “We have left no stone unturned in collaborating with stakeholders to guarantee comfort,” he said.
In a bid to ease financial burdens, the commission announced a landmark subsidy of ₦54 billion for 2025 pilgrims, mitigating the impact of rising global exchange rates. Sheikh Sale described the move as “a divine intervention” to ensure affordability despite economic pressures.
Healthcare remains a priority, with NAHCON partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health to deploy medical personnel, ambulances, and heatwave advisories. Free medications will be provided, and pilgrims will receive guidance on managing extreme temperatures. “We are prepared for all scenarios to safeguard our pilgrims’ health,” he assured.
The chairman also addressed misinformation circulating about Hajj preparations, urging media outlets to verify reports directly with NAHCON. “While we welcome constructive criticism, unverified claims only hinder progress. We are open to dialogue and transparency,” he emphasized.
Sheikh Sale extended gratitude to state governments for their role in securing accommodations and catering services, declaring, No pilgrim will have grounds for complaint.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of the 2025 pilgrimage.
Concluding the interview, he reaffirmed his commitment: “With Allah’s grace and collective effort, the 2025 Hajj will set a new benchmark for excellence.
Our pilgrims deserve nothing less than a seamless and spiritually uplifting journey.”