By Suwaiba Ahmed | Reporting from Madinah, Saudi Arabia
A 36-member advance team from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to kickstart preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The team touched down at the King AbdulAziz International Airport in Madinah on the morning of Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Led by Alhaji Alidu Shuti, Deputy Coordinator of NAHCON’s Makkah Operations, the team is composed of representatives from several critical committees, including those responsible for accommodation, feeding, medical services, national reception, passport management, e-track, Hijira, Tafweej (movement coordination), and media coverage.
Their mission is to lay the groundwork for a smooth and successful Hajj season by ensuring that all logistical, medical, and administrative arrangements are in place before the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims, scheduled for departure on May 9.
Prior to the team’s departure from Nigeria, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, addressed the delegation with a call for dedication and diligence. He emphasized the importance of their role in setting the tone for this year’s Hajj operations, urging them to uphold professionalism and ensure that every detail is carefully handled.
The arrival of the advance team signals the official commencement of Nigeria’s on-ground Hajj activities in Saudi Arabia, as the Commission intensifies efforts to deliver a seamless pilgrimage experience for its citizens.