2025 IHR Post-Hajj Lecture: Pilgrim Welfare, Digital Reforms Take Centre Stage
“NAHCON’s 2025 Hajj a Major Success; Unity and Responsible Media Coverage Crucial”
“Calls for Structured Hajj Savings, ICT Reforms, and Long-Term Strategy”
“Pilgrim-Centric Approach, Transparency, and Accountability Must Define Hajj Operations”
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The 2025 Annual Post-Hajj Lecture and Recognition event, themed “For the Interest of Pilgrims: Nigeria and the Quest for Best Hajj Operational Practices,” was held at the National Mosque Auditorium, Abuja, bringing together an array of stakeholders including tour operators, journalists, state government officials, and representatives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The event, organized by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), highlighted lessons from the 2025 Hajj, offered insights into operational improvements, and recognized individuals and institutions that contributed significantly to the success of Nigeria’s pilgrimage operations.
Chairing the occasion, Dr. Yusuf Adebayo Ibrahim, National Deputy President of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and former NAHCON Commissioner, described the annual post-Hajj lecture as “a vital platform for reflection, guidance, and unity in the Muslim Ummah.”
Emphasizing the spiritual and educational dimensions of Hajj, Dr. Ibrahim stated:
“The Hajj pilgrimage remains the most common act of worship combining physical and spiritual devotion. Its true value lies in the life-long lessons it instills patience, discipline, honesty, sacrifice, service to humanity, and obedience to Allah. The performance of Hajj is not just a literal act. Its significance lies in the experiences that shape our youth, strengthen our values, and inspire obedience. These are legacies that must be preserved and shared within our families, communities, and nations at large.”
Dr. Ibrahim commended the organizers and prayed that the deliberations would “expand understanding of the Hajj experience and inspire Muslims to uplift their communities and contribute to a stronger Ummah.”
The Coordinator of IHR Mallam Ibrahim Muhammed reiterated the organization’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the protection of pilgrims’ interests. He reminded participants that the group was founded to advocate workable policies, provide accurate reporting, and enlighten Nigerian pilgrims and Hajj administrators on developments in Saudi Arabia and other Hajj-participating countries.
“Our focus on year-round monitoring of Hajj activities worldwide is to help managers of pilgrims in Nigeria compare standards elsewhere and adopt best practices,” the IHR Coordinator said. He highlighted the Saudi Vision 2030 reforms and technology adoption, stressing the need for Nigerian stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in improving operations.
“Some stakeholders have raised concerns over negative media reports about Hajj activities in recent years. As journalists, we believe the media is constitutionally guaranteed to highlight observations, recommendations, and insights in order to effect positive change for the benefit of pilgrims,” he said.
He disclosed that the IHR is collaborating with the Hajj Institute of Nigeria to train journalists on Hajj and Umrah coverage. The Coordinator described the reporting exercise as “a cross-border operation involving more than 100 agencies in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.”
Warning against politicization and commercialization of Hajj, he said:
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah completely bans any banner or photo with political undertones. We appeal to stakeholders to support Nigeria’s pilgrims, and we especially appeal to younger content creators not to misuse Hajj or Umrah footage for entertainment or social media, as Hajj is an act of worship and must not be trivialized.”
He further decried the rising luxury-driven services, such as high-cost tents with smart televisions and automatic systems in Mina, stressing that convenience should not overshadow the true spiritual essence of Hajj. On measuring success, the coordinator said:
“We must ask ourselves: what constitutes a successful Hajj, and who bears the responsibility for measuring it?”
He noted that the criteria for recognition awards were based on monitoring dedication, commitment, and welfare delivery by state boards, officials, and governments, particularly in Makkah and Madinah.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Alh. Muhammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), lauded improvements in Hajj operations and reassured stakeholders of the federal government’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.
He noted that past challenges, including poor accommodation and long stays in Saudi Arabia, were no longer acceptable, stressing that the government would work closely with Hajj operators to improve logistics, travel, feeding, and tent locations in Mina.
On behalf of the Vice President, He pledged the Federal Government’s full support to Hajj operators, emphasizing that “without the agents, the Hajj process would not be possible,” and extended the Vice President’s appreciation to the event organizers.
Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner of Operations representing the NAHCON Chairman, praised the synergy between state executives, stakeholders, and NAHCON directors, noting that without their support, the success could not have been recorded.
He cautioned against unverified information and blackmail of the Commission, particularly criticisms labeling the exercise a “huge failure.”
“Some went as far as calling the Hajj a ‘huge failure,’ despite the evident successes recorded. That is nothing but blackmail. We should not fight against our own Commission. Leaders will come and go, but NAHCON will remain. What we need is unity and progress,” he said.
Elegushi highlighted steady operational improvements since 2024, asserting that:
“The percentage of success increased in 2025 and prospects for even better results in 2026 are very high.”
Addressing challenges, he cited Saudi Arabia’s strict new Hajj payment calendar, requiring full payment before embarking on Umrah. He praised NAHCON’s effective management of this transition.
Elegushi also dedicated the 2025 Hajj’s success to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, commending their cooperation, particularly in managing aviation premium payments. He concluded with a call for stakeholders to view NAHCON as a “shared national asset rather than an institution to be undermined,” emphasizing collaboration as central to the continued success of Hajj operations.
Guest speaker Ustaz Abubakar Siddeeq Muhammad, MD/CEO Comerel Travels and Tours, urged Nigerian Hajj stakeholders to place pilgrims at the centre of all operational decisions.
He called for digital transformation, including automated bed-space allocation, flight-linked housing systems, and use of the Haramain high-speed rail to reduce pilgrim fatigue. He strongly advocated relocating Nigerian pilgrims from distant Zone 5 in Mina to Zone 3, citing fair access to Jamaraat and financial considerations.
At the lecture, former Hajj technocrat Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad delivered a detailed paper calling for long-term reforms in Nigeria’s Hajj management. Urging the Federal Government to adopt a structured Hajj savings scheme, a national Hajj policy, and ICT-driven reforms, he highlighted the need to transform Nigeria’s Hajj operations into a model of efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
On operational consistency, Dr. Muhammad lamented Nigeria’s poor track record in meeting Hajj deadlines, describing it as a “chronic weakness”:
“The most consistent practice in our Hajj operations has unfortunately been inconsistency in respecting the yearly Hajj calendar. If deadlines were observed, there would be no need for extensions.”
Addressing the financial burden on pilgrims, particularly rural farmers who rely on seasonal incomes, Dr. Muhammad proposed multi-year savings schemes to ease last-minute pressures:
“Nigeria has the capacity to adopt structured savings over five to ten years. With proper accountability, we can eliminate delays and ensure smooth operations for pilgrims.”
He noted that such schemes, if transparent, would also enable banks and financial institutions to confidently invest in Hajj operations, creating a sustainable financing framework.
On technology and transparency, Dr. Muhammad urged NAHCON and all stakeholders to adopt a centralized ICT-driven Hajj management system to monitor payments, track pilgrims nationwide, and prevent duplication or fraud. He recommended setting benchmarks for accommodation, healthcare, transport, and communication to ensure consistent service quality.
The Executive Governor of Jigawa State, through Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, DG of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended IHR for sustained advocacy and coverage of Hajj operations. Labbo detailed Jigawa State’s interventions, including loans, subcontractor allocations, accommodation subsidies, and provision of food, water, and medical care for pilgrims.
Similarly, Sokoto State, represented by Alhaji Ali Okusa, Chairman of the Sokoto State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, conveyed the governor’s apologies for not attending and extended warm regards to all participants. He described the event as “very important” and expressed the governor’s commitment to supporting pilgrims.
Hajiya Rabiatu Umar, MD/CEO of Alkauthar Travels, praised IHR for unwavering support and partnership, praying for Allah’s blessings on all stakeholders.
Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), emphasized the critical role of journalists as “ambassadors of good conduct,” urging careful reporting to safeguard Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
Alhaji Danlami Modu MNI, Deputy President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GLOCOP), stressed verification of online content, cautioning against indiscriminate sharing of unverified information.
“False reports can generate false reactions, and this can trigger serious security problems. Share only credible information. Fear Allah and always do the right thing,” he advised.
Representatives of the Forum of State Chief Executives (CEOs) expressed appreciation for the conduct of the 2025 Hajj operations, describing the exercise as “above average” and pledging continued collaboration with NAHCON to further enhance operational efficiency. Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, the representative highlighted that the forum had closely monitored Hajj 2025 through press briefings and direct engagement with the Commission.
The lecture, which drew government officials, Hajj operators, and journalists, provided a comprehensive review of lessons from the 2025 pilgrimage while setting the stage for reforms ahead of the 2026 Hajj season.
Among the notable dignitaries present were Representative the Guest of Honour H.E Faisal Bin Ebraheem Alghamdi, Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Nigeria, Prince Hassan Mohammed, Director of Special Services, representing ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adams Aliyu; Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauran-Mata, Chief of Staff, representing the Minister of State for the FCT; Yusuf Adamu Babura of Jigawa State Radio Corporation; Alhaji Muhammad Gali Muhammad, Director of Hajj Operations, Kano State; Alhaji Murray’s Lawal Sani, Director of Enlightenment, Kano State; and other invited special guests.
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