By Mariam Zubair Abubakar
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Central Security Committee (CSC) for the 2025 Hajj operations.
The 21-member committee is tasked with enhancing the safety, security, and general welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during both local and international phases of the Hajj exercise.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Monday in Abuja, Prof. Usman urged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and dedication.
He reminded them of their duty to serve as guardians of the welfare of the “guests of Allah,” stating, “Try your best to do your best in taking care of the Nigerian pilgrims.” He offered prayers for divine guidance and expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
Also addressing the committee, the Commissioner in charge of Policy, Personnel Management, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, emphasized the gravity of the assignment. He highlighted the dual responsibility of protecting pilgrims and upholding Nigeria’s international reputation, urging the members to maintain professionalism and excellence in their operations.
The Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Muhammad Mustapha Ali, outlined the scope of the committee’s responsibilities, which include gathering intelligence on the activities of pilgrims and officials to prevent illegal practices such as drug and human trafficking, money laundering, and smuggling of contraband.
Members are also expected to monitor and report any corrupt practices by pilgrim managers at Hajj camps and departure centers. To proactively prevent security breaches, the committee will collaborate closely with security agencies and state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards.
Additionally, the committee is tasked with conducting regular surveys among pilgrims to assess the quality of essential welfare services—such as feeding, accommodation, transportation, and BTA payments—to ensure full compliance with NAHCON’s 2025 Hajj guidelines. Members are required to submit periodic situation reports and compile a comprehensive post-operation report.
The committee is also empowered to address any additional issues that may arise to further ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Central Security Committee, Ambassador Ahmad Muhammad Mungono, assured the Commission and the public of the committee’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all pilgrims.
He noted that credible individuals from various agencies have been appointed to serve and pledged close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to forestall any threats to the success of the Hajj operations. He further promised that the committee would submit detailed reports to NAHCON at the conclusion of the exercise.
The inauguration of the Central Security Committee underscores NAHCON’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure, well-organized, and corruption-free Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
Mariam Zubair Abubakar
Public Affairs Unit, NAHCON
