Hajj Commission Seeks Senator Wamakko’s Support for 2025 Hajj Operations

By Abdullahi Yusuf

As preparations for the 2025 Hajj intensify, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has sought the support of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a delegation of top officials to Senator Wamakko’s Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto over the weekend as part of a nationwide sensitization and collaboration tour.

During the visit, Professor Usman highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to address critical challenges, including high Hajj fares and the late payment of fees by intending pilgrims. He emphasized the need for state governments to intensify public awareness campaigns and promote early registration to secure better accommodations near the Holy Mosque in Saudi Arabia.

“Delays in payments by state Hajj agencies often result in Nigerian pilgrims being housed far from the Holy Mosque,” he noted. “We encourage adopting the Hajj Saving Scheme to ease financial pressure on intending pilgrims and ensure timely preparations.”

Professor Usman revealed that Nigeria had been allocated 95,000 Hajj seats for the 2025 pilgrimage but warned that late payments could jeopardize the country’s ability to secure the slots. He also called for Senator Wamakko’s intervention in negotiating with airlines to reduce ticket costs, citing forex fluctuations as a major challenge.

Responding, Senator Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North and chairs the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, pledged his support. He described the high Hajj fares as alarming and called for alternative solutions, including an increase in the $400 Basic Travel Allowance allocated to pilgrims.

“The current allowance is inadequate and should be reconsidered,” Wamakko said, adding that he would engage relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Commission.

He also urged NAHCON to provide improved support for pilgrims during their stay in the holy land and advised patience in addressing their concerns.

The visit was attended by the Chairman of the Sokoto Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, alongside notable NAHCON officials, including Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Bukar Babagana, Sirajo Saleh Usman, and Dr. Danbaba Haruna.

The meeting underscores NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring a well-organized Hajj exercise and fostering collaboration with critical stakeholders across Nigeria.

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