Hajj 2025: Avoid distractions in preparations, CSO tells new NAHCON boss

Ahead of the 2025 Hajj, the acting Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, has been advised to avoid potential distractions that could detract from his primary objectives at the Hajj House.

Professor Saleh, who officially assumed his duties on Wednesday in an acting capacity, was specifically reminded of the possible antics of those who could derail preparations for next year’s Hajj.

Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation that monitors and reports on Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, drew the attention of the NAHCON boss in a statement issued on Thursday.

The release, signed by its National Coordinator Ibrahim Muhammed, congratulated the ‘new sheriff’ at the Hajj House on his appointment but reminded him of the urgent need to regain the confidence and trust of Nigerians.

IHR said: “You are taking charge of the driver’s seat of the Hajj industry at a critical moment in the life of NAHCON since its creation via the NAHCON Establishment Act 2006 to serve as the apex Hajj regulatory authority in Nigeria.

“The image and integrity of the Nigerian Hajj industry has been punctured and it, therefore, needs an immediate restoration process to regain the confidence and trust of pilgrims and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.”

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IHR also urged Professor Saleh to reconfigure the apex regulator’s internal operating structure to emphasise service delivery to pilgrims, as developed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

“We advise the new NAHCON helmsman to be wary of distractions that might cause him to deviate from the critical task of ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive timely and commensurate service delivery and ensuring proper coordination with other operational stakeholders such as State Muslim Pilgrims Boards and licensed private Hajj and Umrah operators for effective services.

“Close your ears to sugar coated praise singers and writers, open your door to those with operational expertise and ideas, listen to advice and suggestions from your inner circle, but understand the concept of what is right and what is wrong.

“Carry your Commissioners and staff along in all decisions without forgetting that you are the Chief Accounting Officer who will be held accountable for all implemented decisions. Always remember that the welfare and services to Nigerian pilgrims are your first priority, and ultimately, learn from the avoidable mistakes of your predecessors,” IHR said.