Maryam Aminu
As preparations for the 2025 Hajj gather momentum, Mai-Hajj, a leading Civil Society Organization, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to commence planning early to address service delivery lapses that marred the 2024 pilgrimage.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Garba Ubale Dambatta, Mai-Hajj emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of challenges, particularly in accommodation, transportation, and essential facilities for Nigerian pilgrims.
“Last-minute arrangements have consistently led to operational failures, especially in securing decent accommodations in Makkah, Madinah, and Mina,” the statement noted.
The group also lamented the inadequate toilet facilities at Muzdalifah, which left pilgrims enduring long queues after the physically demanding trek from Arafat.
Mai-Hajj listed other shortcomings from the 2024 Hajj, including flight delays for inbound pilgrims, poor accommodations at key locations, and insufficient toilets in Mina and Muzdalifah, attributing these issues to a lack of timely and detailed planning.
To ensure a successful Hajj in 2025, Mai-Hajj called on NAHCON to establish a dedicated monitoring committee.
The proposed committee, comprising experts and stakeholders, would oversee critical aspects such as aircraft procurement, accommodation standards, transportation logistics, security, and comprehensive public education through media sensitization.
“Effective planning is the cornerstone of a seamless Hajj operation,” the organization stated.
“NAHCON must act promptly to avoid the pitfalls of the past and deliver a spiritually uplifting experience for Nigerian pilgrims.”
Mai-Hajj’s timely intervention reflects its unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare and spiritual fulfillment of Nigerian pilgrims, setting the stage for a better-organized Hajj experience in 2025.
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