NAHCON, Lawmakers Unite in Mina to Review Pilgrims’ Welfare

By Muhammad Ahmad Musa

In a rare show of unity and oversight diplomacy, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, welcomed a high-level delegation from Nigeria’s National Assembly to the city of tents Mina on Saturday. The visit marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing 2025 Hajj operations, spotlighting the government’s attention to the welfare of its pilgrims.

Leading the parliamentary delegation was Honourable Jafaru Aliyu, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Nalaraba Chiroma (Gezawa), and other lawmakers including Engr. Sagiru Koki, Hon. Abdurrahim Danga (Kogi), Hon. Hasan Shehu Hassan (Nasarawa), Hon. Mukhtar Umar Zakari (Tarauni), Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Doguwa/Tudun Wada), and others.

Welcoming the visitors, Professor Usman expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage, attributing the operational success to what he described as “the steadfast legislative oversight and sincere commitment” of the lawmakers.

“To the best of my knowledge, our Guests of Allah are in good condition and having a fulfilling spiritual experience,” Professor Usman remarked. “It’s always clear, whenever we speak with the Chairman, that the pilgrims’ welfare is at the heart of his agenda.”

The lawmakers were taken on a guided tour of key facilities in Mina, including pilgrims’ tents, medical clinics, and kitchens. During the visit, some pilgrims voiced concerns about the limited number of toilets a matter the delegation pledged to escalate for urgent attention.

Also present during the visit were top NAHCON officials including:

Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, and Library Services;

Prof. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Board Member (North Central);

Prof. Musa Fodio, representing Jama’atu Nasril Islam;

Prof. Mahfouz, from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs;

Alhaji Muhammad Tijjani, Ministry of Aviation representative.

Diplomatic support added weight to the occasion, with senior officials from Nigeria’s foreign missions in attendance, including:

Ambassador Ahmad Sule, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Ambassador Ahmed Monguno, from the Presidency;

H.E. Ibrahim Modibbo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.

The delegation concluded its visit by inspecting accommodation tents housing pilgrims from Kano, Lagos, Bauchi, and Niger States, commending NAHCON’s logistical coordination while also calling for continuous improvements.

Muhammad Ahmad Musa reports from the NAHCON Media Tent, Mina, Saudi Arabia.

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