Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that all Nigerian intending pilgrims will participate in the 2025 hajj in Saudi Arabia
Shettima spoke on Monday during a meeting with the board and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting follows a reported contractual dispute between NAHCON and Saudi service provider Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, raising concerns that it could lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.
Shettima noted that the hajj exercise would proceed without any issues.
He instructed NAHCON’s leadership to take the necessary steps to ensure a seamless pilgrimage for all intending pilgrims.
“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” NAN quoted Shettima as saying.
“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance.
“From now on, we must have to set the right standards, move in the right direction, and have a hitch-free hajj exercise.”
Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON chairman, also allayed fears that the dispute over the contract cancellation would affect the pilgrimage.
“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman said.