NAHCON

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has proposed N8.5 million as the tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, following a post-Hajj meeting with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to review the 2025 Hajj operations.

According to the statement, the proposed fare is still subject to final negotiations on all service contracts.

It was also revealed that Nigeria has retained its 95,000-slot allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, with state welfare boards maintaining their previous allocations.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support to Nigerian pilgrims and the Commission.

He particularly noted the Federal Government’s intervention that enabled Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, shielding intending pilgrims from forex volatility.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, led deliberations on the 2026 Hajj Calendar, while the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, directed discussions on operational issues.

Prince Elegushi also raised the possibility of rolling over contracts for the four airlines that operated during the 2025 Hajj, citing time constraints and bureaucratic processes in relation to the Saudi Hajj calendar.

He noted that such a move would allow Nigeria to secure airlift slots early.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the return transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with 1,310 already flown back home from Jiddah.

According to data released by Malam Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer of NAHCON, four Nigerian Hajj air carriers operated a total of four flights as part of the initial phase of the inbound operation.

MaxAir flight VM269 departed Jeddah for Bauchi at 08:07 hrs, carrying 551 pilgrims and seven officials. Flynas flight XY9006 left for Kebbi at 09:45 hrs with 413 pilgrims and six officials onboard. 

UMZA flight UY3534 took off for Abuja at 13:12 hrs with 41 pilgrims and 122 officials, while Air Peace flight APK7901 departed for Owerri at 23:45 hrs, transporting 305 pilgrims and seven officials.

It was gathered that about 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims participated in the just-concluded 2025 Hajj.

By Uzair Adam

A Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj air carrier, Flynas, has formalized an agreement with the Nigerian government for the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operations.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will commence on May 5, 2025.

The agreement was signed on Monday at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja by the Chief Commercial Officer of Flynas, Mr. Khaled Alhejairi, and the commission’s Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

Present at the signing were Flynas’s Director for Business Development, Mr. Yasser Ajlan, Manager of Business Development, Mr. Hani Isma’il, and the Managing Director of First Planet Travels and General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila.

Mr. Alhejairi reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to maintaining high service standards for Nigerian pilgrims, stating that Flynas has consistently fulfilled its obligations since joining the Nigerian Hajj operations in 2014.

“We want to assure NAHCON that Flynas will continue to provide comfortable and seamless travel experiences for our esteemed customers in Nigeria during the Hajj operation,” he said.

In January, NAHCON approved four airlines—Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Aviation Services Limited—for the 2025 Hajj operations. Among them, Flynas, the most experienced, has successfully transported Nigerian pilgrims for the past decade.

For the 2025 Hajj, Nigeria has a projected quota of 71,274 pilgrims, with NAHCON preliminarily allocating 22,894 pilgrims to Flynas, 9,145 to Air Peace, 23,342 to Max Air, and 15,893 to Umza Air.

Flynas, which operates in Nigeria under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has played a key role in stabilizing airlift operations for Nigerian pilgrims while expanding the capacity of its workforce.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has engaged an additional service provider for the 2025 Hajj following operational challenges with Mashariq al Dhahabia, the Saudi Arabian company initially contracted to serve Nigerian pilgrims.

A statement by NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, revealed that the decision was made to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience after identifying issues that could hinder the seamless participation of Nigerian pilgrims.

Mashariq al Dhahabia had earlier threatened legal action against NAHCON, alleging a breach of contract due to the engagement of another company to provide services during the Masha’ir period—the five days pilgrims spend in Muna, Arafah, and Muzdalifah in Makkah.

The company argued that this move violated their agreement as the sole service provider and gave NAHCON 20 days to initiate discussions on the matter.

However, NAHCON maintained that it had acted in the best interest of Nigerian pilgrims, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The decision to supplement Mashariq’s services with an additional provider was made after identifying operational challenges, particularly issues with Mashariq’s listing on the Saudi Visa Portal, Nusuk.

“Despite subsequent corrective actions by Mashariq al Dhahabia, NAHCON’s proactive decision was aimed at meeting Saudi deadlines and ensuring uninterrupted service for Nigerian pilgrims,” the statement read.

NAHCON dismissed reports of legal threats as an attempt to pressure the commission into granting an exclusive monopoly on the state pilgrim quota.

It reiterated its commitment to fostering a competitive service environment that prioritizes cost reduction and service quality.

The commission assured that it would continue upholding its contractual obligations and working transparently to safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the acting Secretary of the commission, effective immediately.

This follows the voluntary retirement of the former Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Kontagora, on December 6.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publications Division, it was revealed that Shutti, who had served as the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance at NAHCON since 2023, would hold the acting position until a substantive secretary is appointed.

Shutti’s career with NAHCON spans from 2007 to the present, during which he has held several key positions, including Head of the Tour Operators Division, Assistant Director of the Licensing Division, and Deputy Coordinator of the Makkah Office in 2022 and 2023.

With a Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies, and a Diploma in Journalism, Shutti has also enhanced his expertise in Hajj operations by attending numerous seminars in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Known for his in-depth understanding of Hajj and Umrah operations, Shutti’s experience is expected to facilitate a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 1,518 slots to Jigawa State for the 2025 Hajj.  

Alhaji Ahmad Labbo, Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Dutse.  

Labbo stated that 70 percent of the allocated slots have been distributed to the 27 local government areas in the state for sale to interested pilgrims. 

The remaining 30 percent is held in reserve until the initial allocation to each local government is fully utilized.  

He further revealed that intending pilgrims are required to pay a deposit of N8.4 million while awaiting NAHCON’s official announcement of the Hajj fare.  

Labbo urged prospective pilgrims to make early payments to enable the board to complete preparations for the pilgrimage.  

The Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by Muslims worldwide.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded N4.4 billion to Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces, following service lapses during the 2023 Hajj.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs, Malam Muhammad Musa, disclosed that the refund was specifically for electricity services that were inadequately provided during the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) by Saudi authorities.

Additionally, NAHCON has reimbursed N917.1 million to 192 accredited tour companies that participated in the pilgrimage, with instructions for the funds to be distributed to their respective pilgrims.

Further refunds to other participating tour operators will be made after necessary reconciliations.

“This refund demonstrates the Commission’s dedication to transparency and accountability under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman,” Musa stated.

He advised pilgrims who took part in the 2023 Hajj to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies or tour operators to claim their refunds, with each pilgrim entitled to receive N61,080.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to deposit their Hajj fares promptly to facilitate early arrangements in line with Saudi guidelines.

To ensure the refund process is handled transparently, the Commission has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to monitor the disbursement closely.

“This collaboration will help ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without discrepancies,” Musa added.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has alerted the public to the activities of imposters falsely claiming to represent the commission in securing contracts for the 2025 Hajj.

In a statement released on Monday by Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, the commission stressed that it will not recognize any unauthorized agreements made in its name.

The statement explained that certain individuals have fraudulently contacted service providers and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the guise of acting on behalf of NAHCON, making arrangements for accommodations and feeding for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, clarified that no individual or group has been authorized to make such arrangements.

“All official transactions must go through recognized NAHCON personnel and follow due process,” the statement emphasized.

The commission urged the public and service providers in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to verify all dealings through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, noting that NAHCON will not be liable for any losses caused by such activities.

For any clarifications, stakeholders are advised to contact NAHCON through its official communication platforms.

By Uzair Adam

Aviation worker Auwal Ahmed Dankode has returned $10,000 (approximately N16 million) that he found while cleaning an aircraft at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Dankode, who works for the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), discovered the money on an Egypt Air aircraft that landed around 1:30 pm on Wednesday.

He explained that he was performing a routine cleaning of the plane when he spotted the money in an envelope.

“In our training, we’re instructed to report any items found on aircraft to our supervisor,” Dankode told journalists.

“Since my supervisor wasn’t available at that time, I immediately reported the discovery to the airline company’s manager to help find the rightful owner.

“Shortly after, a man rushed to the aircraft, searching for his lost money. The manager asked him a series of questions to verify his claim, including the specific seat number where the envelope was found. Once his answers matched, the money was handed back to him.

Dankode expressed his joy at being able to return the lost money, saying, “I am very happy that God used me to make someone else happy.

“Returning what does not belong to me is nothing because that is the training we got from home. The owner, who spoke Arabic and did not understand Hausa, was so relieved and thankful that he hugged me many times.

“A native of Kode in Bunkure local government area, Kano State, Dankode is well-known for his honesty and strong sense of integrity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). 

This is contained in a statement released today by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) via his social media handles. 

The renowned scholar, who boasts qualifications from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan, is expected to bring his expertise to bear in leading the commission. 

Professor Usman’s experience in Hajj operations is noteworthy, having previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he successfully managed the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. President Tinubu has charged the new Chairman to discharge his duties with “integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.”

The appointment of Prof. Pakistan comes a few days after the immediate sacked former NAHCON chairman, Jalal Arabi, was alleged to have squandered and mismanaged Hajj funds.