By Shafii Sani Mohammed
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, consisting of key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House.
In his address at the ceremony, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, charged the team to approach their assignment with a deep sense of duty and devotion, emphasizing the sanctity of the task ahead.
“You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah,” he declared.
“Please cooperate, support one another, work as a team, and discharge your responsibilities with sincerity. If you succeed, the Commission succeeds.” He assured them of the Commission’s full backing and urged them to remain God-conscious throughout their mission.
Earlier, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, introduced the Advance Team to the Chairman and commended their outstanding performance during the previous Hajj. He credited them with laying the foundation for last year’s success and reaffirmed his confidence in their competence. He also called on the Executive Management to continue extending full support to the team.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, emphasized the central and strategic nature of the team’s role. “You are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of commitment, integrity, and patience,” he said. He urged the members to maintain purpose, impartiality, and professionalism in all aspects of their duties.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sani, assured the team that their welfare packages had already been approved by the Chairman. He reiterated NAHCON’s strong commitment to staff support throughout the Hajj season. “You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation. Your success is the Commission’s success,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them. “We are professionals. We are tested and capable hands. We will not let you down,” he assured, while also appealing for continued management support as they execute their responsibilities.
The Advance Team is tasked with laying the groundwork for the entire 2025 Hajj operation, including overseeing accommodation arrangements, establishing airport reception protocols, and coordinating with Saudi Hajj authorities. Their efforts are essential to ensuring the seamless arrival, reception, and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, medical personnel, and state officials.
The departure of the Advance Team marks a significant milestone in NAHCON’s preparations and signals the official start of Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage—one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Shafii Sani Mohammed writes from the Information and Publications Division, NAHCON.