National Assembly Delegation Commends NAHCON on Pilgrims’ Welfare During Visit to Mina
A high-powered delegation from Nigeria’s National Assembly on Saturday paid an oversight visit to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Mina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commending the Commission for its efficient coordination and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj.
The delegation, led by Hon. Jafaru Aliyu, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims’ Affairs, was received by NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, in what was described as a significant show of support and partnership in ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being of the Nigerian contingent.
Other lawmakers in the delegation included Hon. Nalaraba Chiroma (Deputy Chairman), Engr. Sagiru Koki, Hon. Abdurrahim Danga (Kogi), Hon. Hasan Shehu Hassan (Nasarawa), Hon. Mukhtar Umar Zakari (Tarauni), Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Doguwa/Tudun Wada), among others.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Usman praised the lawmakers for their steadfast oversight, which he said had contributed immensely to the smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage.
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“To the best of my knowledge, our Guests of Allah are in good condition and having a fulfilling spiritual experience,” he stated. “It’s always clear, whenever we engage with the Chairman, that the pilgrims’ welfare remains a top priority.”
The delegation toured key operational facilities in Mina, including pilgrims’ tents, medical centres, and catering units. During the inspection, some pilgrims raised concerns about the shortage of toilet facilities—a matter the lawmakers promised to address urgently upon their return to Nigeria.
Accompanying the lawmakers were senior NAHCON officials including Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics and Library Services; Prof. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Board Member (North Central); Prof. Musa Fodio of Jama’atu Nasril Islam; Prof. Mahfouz of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; and Alhaji Muhammad Tijjani from the Ministry of Aviation.
The visit also had a diplomatic dimension, with representatives from Nigeria’s foreign missions in attendance. These included Ambassador Ahmad Sule of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Monguno from the Presidency, and H.E. Ibrahim Modibbo, Deputy Ambassador at the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The lawmakers concluded their visit with inspections of accommodation tents occupied by pilgrims from Kano, Lagos, Bauchi, and Niger States. While applauding NAHCON’s efforts in logistics and coordination, they emphasized the need for continuous improvement to enhance pilgrims’ experience.
Muhammad Ahmad Musa
Reporting from NAHCON Media Tent, Mina, Saudi Arabia