Saudi firms take over feeding, accommodation for pilgrims in 2025

Saudi Companies of Pilgrims’ Establishments (mu’assasa) will assume responsibility for feeding and accommodating pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during the 2025 Hajj.

NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, disclosed this during a crucial meeting with Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (MPWB).

He, however, said the policy would impact all countries participating in Hajj starting from the 2025 pilgrimage.

The development came despite the clamour by state governments in Nigeria to allow state pilgrims’ welfare boards to provide food that Nigerians are used to.

In previous Hajj exercises, Saudi companies, often referred to as Mu’assasa, took over the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims while in the city of Muna during the five-day period of the holy pilgrimage in 2022.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara, in a statement said: “A key highlight from the virtual discussion with MoHU was the announcement of a new initiative whereby the Saudi Companies of Pilgrims’ Establishments, known as mu’assasa under the supervision of MoHU, will assume responsibility for the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, similar to the current practices in Masha’ir.

“This policy, which impacts all countries participating in Hajj, will be implemented starting with the 2025 pilgrimage. It is noteworthy that MoHU had previously proposed taking over feeding in Masha’ir in 2022, which was subsequently put into action that year.”

Elegushi reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to align with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar and stressed the need for cooperation among all stakeholders.

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He praised the state Executive Secretaries for their proactive approach in announcing the minimum Hajj deposits and encouraged them to maintain this momentum.

Additionally, the Commissioner urged the ESs to collect their letters regarding slot allocations and the 2025 Hajj license.

He also advised them to formally request adjustments in their slot allocations as necessary.

Elegushi provided an update on the pending refunds from the 2024 Hajj, which are still awaiting resolution from the Saudi authorities.

He reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar and emphasised cooperation among stakeholders.

Chairman of the Forum of States (FoS) and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Pilgrims’ Board, Malam Idris Almakura, commended NAHCON for its efforts and urged the Commission to sustain the tempo.