From Usman Gwadabe, Makkah
The Chairman, of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi has graced the annual event marking the end of the 2024 Hajj and the beginning of the 2025 Hajj Season as announced by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Fauzan Al-Rabiah at the Ministry’s office Makkah.
The Minister thanked Allah, the Pilgrims and all governmental and private sectors that partake directly or indirectly in the great success of the 2024 Hajj.
He therefore expressed readiness to start the preparations for the 2025 Hajj by presenting to all the Global Hajj Affairs’ Missions documents with their quota.
A statement issued by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, the agency’s Media Coordinator of Makkah said Chairman Arabi during the annual Post-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting made reference to the event and revealed that Nigeria maintains its quota of 95,000 (Ninety-five thousand Pilgrims’ slots) for the (1446H Hajj) equivalent to 2025 Hajj Operation.
He reiterated to the Nigerian gathering that his Commission will be on course as guided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj’s timeline to commence arrangements for its Pilgrims as June 18, 2024, for the formal announcement of Commencement for 1446H Hajj Operation, Issuance of quotas (Slots) to all Countries, Activation of E-track Portal and Activation of IBAN Account.
The statement added that September 4, 2024, is for the Commencement of preliminary and Preparatory Meetings as well as Meetings with service providers and the formation of packages for Accommodation and Feeding, in addition to the Appointment of Air Carriers.
“October 24, 2024, for End of Preparatory Meetings; Commencement of contracts with Service Providers on service packages; Choice and reservation of spaces in Masha’er.
“January 13, 2025, for International Hajj Conference and Exhibition; Signing of 2025 Hajj Agreement; Signing of Tafweej Agreement (based upon our Choice)
“February 14, 2025, is for End of Services’ Contracts, while February 19 2025 scheduled for Commencement of visa issuance.
“April 2025 for the end of visa issuance and processing stage and April 29, 2025 for the commencement of Hajj Flights,” the statement revealed.
The NAHCON chairman further explained that he was challenged by what he witnessed at the podium of the celebration of the closing of the 2024 Hajj and opening of the 2025 Hajj activities.
He called upon the states and tour operators to intensively sensitize, educate and enlighten their pilgrims on this timeline and to adhere to it accordingly.
