The Hajj 2025 Stakeholders Meeting was held on Tuesday at the Gombe International Airport Hall, drawing together key figures from across security, health, religious, and aviation sectors. The meeting focused on ensuring a smooth, safe, and timely airlift of pilgrims from Gombe State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 pilgrimage.
The high-level gathering was chaired by the National Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Abba Jato, who, in his keynote address, emphasised the critical importance of round-the-clock vigilance by all security agencies involved in this year’s Hajj operations.
Alhaji Jato stressed that security remains the cornerstone of a successful Hajj, and he called on all agencies, police, DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Nigeria Army, and Immigration Service to stay alert 24 hours a day during the entire operation.
This year’s Hajj requires absolute coordination and alertness. Security agencies must be on top of their game to ensure the safety and well-being of our pilgrims from the point of departure to their return,” he stated.
The Commissioner also addressed concerns regarding pilgrims’ transportation of certain local items, appealing to regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC and NDLEA to exercise discretion and cultural sensitivity.
He urged the agencies to permit non-prohibited traditional items such as dried meat (kilishi), fried meat, and small amounts of kolanut, stressing that these were for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
Alhaji Jato reassured all stakeholders of NAHCON’s unwavering commitment to a successful Hajj operation in 2025, promising full cooperation and support throughout the process.
We are determined to uplift all pilgrims from Nigeria in the shortest possible time before the deadline. With your support, we can achieve this seamlessly,” he added.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Saad Hassan, provided a comprehensive update on the state’s preparation for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Alhaji Hassan announced that the first flight conveying Gombe pilgrims is scheduled for May 18, 2025, while the second batch is expected to depart on May 20.
All Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA) have been made available, and we’ve completed all essential preparations at the Hajj Camp,” he stated.
He mentioned that facilities at the camp, including water supply and power, had been restored after facing disruption due to vandalism. He confirmed that the perpetrators responsible for the damage had been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing.
We are committed to providing a conducive environment for our pilgrims. The camp has been fumigated, and we’ve ensured a steady water and electricity supply. All is set for a smooth operation,” he assured.
Alhaji Hassan took time to appreciate the unwavering support of Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration he described as instrumental in facilitating successful Hajj operations year after year.
We sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, for his continuous support, not just in Gombe but throughout the pilgrimage journey to the Holy Land,” he said.
He further encouraged all stakeholders to remain dedicated, noting that with their tireless efforts, this year’s Hajj operation is poised to be one of the best the state has ever witnessed.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Sulaiman Daniel Musa, the Sole Administrator of Gombe International Airport, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for their attendance and active participation in the meeting.
Mr. Musa praised the Gombe State Government for equipping the airport with all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth Hajj operation. “Everything requested by the airport has been delivered. We are fully prepared,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the airport’s readiness to handle the volume of traffic expected during the airlift period, assuring that no logistical setbacks would occur.
The meeting was well-attended by representatives of critical agencies, including the Nigerian Police, DSS, Nigeria Army, Air Force, Customs, Immigration, NAFDAC, NDLEA, traditional rulers, religious leaders, journalists, and senior officials from the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
As the countdown to the 2025 Hajj continues, the consensus at the stakeholders meeting was clear: through coordination, vigilance, and cooperation, Gombe is set to deliver a successful and spiritually fulfilling Hajj for all its pilgrims.