Hajj 2025: NAHCON refutes contractual breach with Saudi service provider

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has denied the claim of a breach in the contractual agreement with a Saudi Arabia service provider Mashariq al Dhahabia.

The commission said that all commitments with agencies entrusted to render services to Nigerian pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj have been fulfilled and ready to conduct seamless exercise.

NAHCON spokesperson, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, in a statement, on Thursday indicated that allegation in some media outlets of breach of agreement with the provider is being misconstructed.

Musa disclosed that NAHCON is known for honouring all contractual commitments, upholding the standards of transparency and accountability in all its dealings with stakeholders.

He explained that NAHCON in January 17, 2025, during a pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia entered agreement with Mashariq al Dhahabia to provide ground and Masha’ir services for Nigerian States’ Pilgrims.

According to him, the commission however took a bold step to supplement the services to prevent eventualities after the Masha’ir Dhahabia was deactivated from Nusuk platform by relevant authorities.

He said though the platform was later reactivated, the commission could not afford to risk the welfare of over 52,000 intending pilgrims to preventable excuses during the pilgrimage.

“The decision to supplement Mashariq’s services with an additional provider was made after identifying operational challenges specifically, issues with Mashariq’s listing on the Saudi Visa Portal, Nusuk,” Musa said.

“Despite subsequent corrective actions by Mashariq al Dhahabia, NAHCON’s proactive decision to engage a supplementary provider was driven by the need to meet stringent Saudi deadlines and to ensure uninterrupted service
to Nigerian Pilgrims.

“Recent news carried by some media houses stating threats of legal action by Mashariq al Dhahabia appears intended to pressure NAHCON into granting an exclusive monopoly of the States’ quota.”

The spokesperson said NAHCON rejects any attempt to create confusion or compromise the welfare of the Nigerian Pilgrims, the reason the Commission device plan B to foster a competitive environment that is aimed at reducing costs and enhancing service quality.

“NAHCON remains steadfast in its commitment to contractual integrity and the well-being of the Nigerian Pilgrims. The Commission will continue striving to operate with transparency and accountability, undeterred by allegations or attempts to undermine its mission,” Musa added.