Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in ensuring a seamless and successful 2025 Hajj exercise.
During a courtesy visit to NAHCON’s management at the Hajj House in Abuja, Governor Zulum assured the commission of Borno State’s full backing, including the provision of necessary resources and political will to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
As Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, Zulum also pledged to relay key discussions from the meeting to his counterparts in the region, emphasizing the need for timely payments and completion of all required arrangements within set deadlines.
Governor Zulum underscored the importance of prioritizing efficiency in the management of intending pilgrims, rather than focusing solely on numbers.
“What matters is not the number of individuals who will perform the 2025 Hajj, but the efficiency and meticulousness with which those who have paid will carry out the exercise,” he stated.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support to NAHCON since the inception of their administration.
Reflecting on past difficulties, Governor Zulum acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2024 Hajj, including inadequate VIP arrangements and overbooking, which strained facilities in Mina and Arafah.
He urged NAHCON to embark on a public awareness campaign to better educate state governments and intending pilgrims about Hajj logistics and expectations.
“I am aware of the challenges we faced last year, but I believe most of them have been addressed. Organizing a flawless Hajj operation is no easy task, but with dedication, support, and an open-minded approach, all issues can be resolved,” he added.
Responding ,Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, revealed that the commission had already secured accommodation for 52,000 pilgrims at Masha’ir, with additional provisions for VIPs and 15,000 extra spaces for tour operators.
Professor Usman expressed his gratitude to Governor Zulum for his visit and continuous support, noting that his contributions were instrumental in enhancing Hajj operations.