By Ishola Balogun

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully secured accommodations at Masha’ir for the upcoming 2025 Hajj, ensuring compliance with the February 14 deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

So far, 26,287 spaces have been fully paid for, with an additional 26,000 reserved, bringing the total to 52,000 spaces, expected to be confirmed by Friday.

“This is a crucial step for us, as it ensures we meet the deadline and provide a seamless experience for our pilgrims,” said Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON Chairman.

The contract was officially signed on January 17, 2025, at NAHCON’s Ummul Judd office in Makkah, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders. Among those involved in the selection process were:

Malam Idris Almakura

Alhaji Faruku Yaro Aliyu

Malam Abubakar Salihu

Malam Ameen Amshi

To avoid last-minute complications, Professor Usman sought Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima’s approval to travel to Makkah and finalize the contract, which is essential for visa uploads beginning on February 19.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to the Vice President for his unwavering support and confidence in our operations,” Professor Usman remarked. “His timely intervention allowed us to address potential bottlenecks and secure these accommodations on time.”

Professor Usman urged intending pilgrims to stay informed through NAHCON’s official news outlets.

“We encourage everyone to remain calm and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj experience this year,” he added.