The picture is getting clearer. As the 2025 Hajj season draws near, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is intensifying preparations in collaboration with states pilgrim welfare boards and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless and spiritually rewarding exercise for Nigerian Muslims. With the inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia billed for May 9, officials say the groundwork has been laid for a smooth and well organised Hajj exercise.

During a recent briefing with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, NAHCON’s leadership expressed confidence in the level of readiness for this year’s pilgrimage. Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner in charge of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, assured that arrangements had been concluded for accommodation, feeding, and transportation of over 40,000 pilgrims, including those from state boards and private tour operators.

“We have all of our accommodation intact in Makkah, Medina and other locations. Enough bed spaces have been secured, and feeding plans have been fully paid for,” said Elegushi. He further disclosed that outbound flights would commence on May 9 and conclude by May 24, while return flights are scheduled between June 13, 2025 and July 2, 2025.

Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, urged the commission to leave no stone unturned in delivering a successful Hajj experience. “We owe it to all Nigerians and our pilgrims to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience,” he said.

This commitment was re-echoed during a strategic meeting between NAHCON and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, held in Abuja. NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, who chaired the meeting, emphasised the need for final preparations, particularly in areas such as visa processing, vaccination, and logistics.

Key updates revealed that four airlines will handle the airlift of the country’s 43,000 pilgrims: Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air, and Umza Air, each assigned to specific states with detailed aircraft plans. The Honourable Commissioner also noted that clinic arrangements had been made in both Makkah and Medina, and yellow cards had been distributed across states. Pregnant women have been advised not to enrol for the Hajj exercise.

In a significant development, NAHCON has sealed arrangements with Rawaf Mina Service Providers to secure VIP Tent A accommodation for pilgrims seeking premium services. This was disclosed following a Zoom meeting held on 23 April between NAHCON officials and Rawaf Mina representatives. The firm announced the availability of 2,800 VIP bed spaces in a newly completed five storey facility just meters away from the Jamrat.

Tour Operators who had previously registered pilgrims under Tent D for administrative purposes are now expected to pay the necessary upgrade fees to secure slots in Tent A. The company plans to begin production of NUSUK access cards once registrations are finalised, making it essential for operators to conclude payment and logistics promptly.

Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved cash-based Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj. This decision was taken after concerns were raised over the proposed use of debit cards for all financial transactions during the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The implementation took place after the intervention of the Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the pilgrims, appealing to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Earlier this year, the CBN had introduced a new policy requiring all Hajj pilgrims to use ATM cards linked to special BTA accounts. However, the policy drew criticism, with stakeholders warning that it could complicate travel logistics and affect pilgrims’ overall experience.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with the Vice President, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Aliu Abdulrazaq, confirmed the change.

“The meeting was prompted by the federal government’s policy on BTA for 2025 Hajj. After several discussions, the Vice President intervened and appealed to the Central Bank. Out of its magnanimity, the CBN has now allowed pilgrims to travel with cash rather than use cards,” he said. He explained that access to ATM machines in key pilgrimage sites such as Makkah and Medina, is extremely limited, making card use impractical.

“There is only one ATM in the area where the rituals are performed, and it is always overcrowded. In addition, 95% of Nigerian pilgrims are peasant farmers with limited knowledge of electronic transactions. Even with cash, some have trouble identifying different currencies. These challenges make it necessary to allow cash transactions,” Abdulrazaq added.

NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali, clarified that the decision is neither a concession nor a subsidy from the government.

“This is not a form of financial aid. The Vice President simply acted in the best interest of the pilgrims, who often make purchases in local markets where debit cards are not accepted. The CBN will provide the cash at the prevailing market rate,” he said.

Also speaking on the development, Director of Human Resources at the CBN and board member representing the Bank in NAHCON, Abba Muhammad Aliyu, said the policy change was made with pilgrims’ welfare in mind.

“Many of the pilgrims are not familiar with ATM cards or electronic payments. The CBN, after careful consideration and in response to the Vice President’s appeal, decided to permit cash-based transactions to ease the burden on pilgrims” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts to improve the financial framework of Hajj operations are gaining traction as NAHCON and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) gear up for the second edition of the National Hajj Stakeholders Summit, scheduled for April 30 at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, themed “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators”.

The summit will bring together key players from across the country, including Vice President Shettima as the Special Guest and Professor Usman as the Chief Host. Organisers say the event will explore innovative models to strengthen financial accountability, risk management, and digital transformation in Hajj administration.