2025 Hajj: Zulum assures NAHCON of support for successful operations

Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has assured the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) of his commitment to supporting the success of the 2025 Hajj, even as he promised to mobilise his colleagues in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to assist their pilgrims in settling Hajj fares in a timely manner.

Zulum gave the assurance on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Hajj House headquarters of the commission in Abuja and further pledged to encourage members of the North-East Governors Forum to collaborate with NAHCON in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stated this when he welcomed Governor Zulum on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, in Abuja.

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While expressing gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, Zulum reaffirmed his dedication to assisting the Hajj commission in executing a seamless pilgrimage.

He acknowledged the unwavering support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima have consistently provided for NAHCON since the inception of their administration.

While acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous Hajj, Governor Zulum commended NAHCON for its efforts, recognising the complexities involved in organising such a large-scale pilgrimage.

The governor identified very important personalities (VIPs) management as one of the major challenges encountered last year and urged NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, to assign competent personnel to handle VIP affairs with strict oversight.

He further recommended that NAHCON ensure equitable distribution of VIP spaces to all states that formally request them.

Governor Zulum called for synergy between NAHCON and state governors with a view to preventing misinformation, adding that the commission should engage the governors early by updating them on preparations and expected procedures for Hajj.

He then expressed confidence in successful Hajj operations this year, given the level of preparations put in place by NAHCON.

While welcoming the governor, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Usman expressed delight at hosting Zulum at the Hajj House.

The chairman then briefed the Borno governor on preparations on the ground for the 2025 Hajj operations and updated him on the secured spaces for Nigerian pilgrims, including those designated for private tour operators.

Usman assured that NAHCON has made advanced preparations for this year’s Hajj operations, adding that a significant number of VIP slots had already been reserved.

While giving the vote of thanks, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described Governor Zulum’s visit as not only an honour to the Hajj commission but also an opportunity to host one of Nigeria’s best governors.

He recalled how Borno State pilgrims enthusiastically praised Zulum during last year’s Hajj.

Elegushi informed that NAHCON engaged Umzah Airlines among this year’s approved air carriers for the Hajj in addition to three others, in a bid to support the growth of indigenous airlines.

Present during the governor’s visit were two additional NAHCON Commissioners, some of the commission’s board members, senior management staff and a representative from the Vice President’s Office.