NAHCON secures Mashair accommodation for 52,000 intending Hajj pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has successfully secured accommodation in Mashair for 52,000 intending Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the Saudi Arabian deadline.
This was contained in a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Wednesday, where she also disclosed that the commission had already paid for 26,287 spaces, with another 26,000 reserved and expected to be fully secured by February 13, pending the completion of remittances.
“This proactive move to reserve space in Mashair, led by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, ensures compliance with the February 14 deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for finalising contract agreements by Hajj-participating countries,” Usara stated.
She added that Usman had travelled to Saudi Arabia with the approval of Vice President Kashim Shettima to finalise the Mashair accommodation contracts—an essential requirement for visa uploads scheduled to commence on February 19.
The agreement was signed on January 17 at NAHCON’s Ummul Judd office in Makkah, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Forum of State Chairmen, NAHCON board members, and a representative of the presidency.
“Professor Usman expressed profound appreciation to the Vice President for his support, confidence, and non-interference in the Commission’s operations, which have enabled swift and decisive action in preparing the grounds for a smooth Hajj process for 2025 Nigerian pilgrims.
“According to the NAHCON Chairman, the Vice President’s quick response to the request to travel to Saudi Arabia to resolve any bottlenecks has paid off well, with the reservation now put to rest,” the statement read.
She reassured intending pilgrims that all necessary preparations were in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj, while urging them to stay updated through NAHCON’s official news channels and remain patient as the commission finalises arrangements for their participation.
