By Muhammad Ahmad Musa
In a significant demonstration of oversight and solidarity, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday played host to a distinguished delegation from Nigeria’s National Assembly at the heart of the 2025 Hajj operations in Mina.
Led by Honourable Jafaru Aliyu, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, the lawmakers arrived at the sprawling tent city to assess the condition of Nigerian pilgrims and evaluate the facilities provided during this sacred journey. Accompanying him were Deputy Chairman Hon. Nalaraba Chiroma (Gezawa) and several committee members including Engr. Sagiru Koki, Hon. Abdurrahim Danga (Kogi), Hon. Hasan Shehu Hassan (Nasarawa), Hon. Mukhtar Umar Zakari (Tarauni), and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Doguwa/Tudun Wada), among others.
Receiving the delegation, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, extended a warm welcome and expressed appreciation for the lawmakers’ commitment to ensuring accountability and excellence in Hajj operations.
“Our pilgrims—Guests of Allah—are generally in high spirits and in good condition,” said Professor Usman. “The cooperation and consistent oversight by the National Assembly remain crucial to the success we are recording this year.”
The visit included a tour of critical service areas in Mina such as pilgrims’ tents, health clinics, and kitchens. While many pilgrims expressed satisfaction, concerns were raised regarding the inadequate number of toilets—an issue the lawmakers pledged to urgently address upon their return.
High-ranking NAHCON officials joined the engagement, including Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal (Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics and Library Services), Professor Muhammad Umaru Ndagi (Board Member, North Central), Professor Musa Fodio (representing Jama’atu Nasril Islam), Professor Mahfouz (from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs), and Alhaji Muhammad Tijjani from the Ministry of Aviation.
Adding a diplomatic dimension to the visit were senior representatives from Nigeria’s foreign missions in Saudi Arabia: Ambassador Ahmad Sule (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Ambassador Ahmed Monguno (Presidency), and H.E. Ibrahim Modibbo, Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
The delegation concluded the tour with visits to tents accommodating pilgrims from Kano, Lagos, Bauchi, and Niger States. Commending NAHCON’s logistical arrangements, the lawmakers reaffirmed their support for continued improvements to ensure the dignity and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.