The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer of the commission.
According to Mohammed, the team, which comprises key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House.
During the event, NAHCON’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, praised the team’s performance during the previous Hajj and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver again. He also appealed to the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, and the management to continue to support the team for a successful operation.
In his address, the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, urged the team to approach the task ahead with a deep sense of duty and commitment, stressing the sacred nature of the assignment.
“You are not going there to sleep, you are going there to serve the guests of Allah,” he stated.
“Please cooperate, help one another, work as a team, and discharge your responsibilities with sincerity. If you succeed, the commission succeeds,” Saleh added.
He also assured them of the commission’s full backing and reminded them to “fear Allah” as they go about their duties.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, described the team’s role as “central and strategic to the success of the operation.”
“You are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of responsibility, dedication and patience,” he advised, while urging them to act with integrity and purpose.
The Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sani, reassured the team that their welfare packages had already been approved by the chairman, affirming NAHCON’s commitment to staff welfare throughout the Hajj period.
“You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation. Your success is the commission’s success,” Sani said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Malam Alidu Shutti, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them.
“We are professionals. We are tested and capable hands. We will not let you down,” he said, while seeking continued support from the chairman.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Advance Team is tasked with laying the groundwork for the entire Hajj operation. This includes coordinating accommodation arrangements, setting up airport reception protocols, and liaising with Saudi Hajj authorities.
Their efforts are expected to ensure a smooth and successful experience for Nigerian pilgrims, as well as accompanying medical personnel and state officials.
The departure of the Advance Team marks a significant milestone in the preparation for the 2025 Hajj and underscores Nigeria’s official entry into one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world.
