HIRO HAJJ MABRUR PULSE

HIRO extends warm wishes to Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as he embarks on a crucial visit to Saudi Arabia. This trip marks a significant milestone in the preparations for the 2026 Hajj season, and we are confident that your leadership and expertise will play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful and stress-free experience for Nigerian pilgrims. As you engage with key stakeholders and service providers in Saudi Arabia, we wish you productive discussions, fruitful negotiations, and successful outcomes. Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and spiritual fulfillment of thousands of Nigerian Muslims who will be performing Hajj in 2026. We look forward to hearing about the progress and achievements of your mission and wish you a safe and successful journey to Saudi Arabia.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with some commissioners and the Secretary to the Commission, will travel to Saudi Arabia to finalize service agreements with relevant providers in preparation for the 2026 Hajj. This trip is in line with the operational calendar released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), which specifies key deadlines for contracting and payment for essential services. Key Deadlines - Early Contracting and Payment: The MoHU has allocated September 6-23, 2025, for early contracting and payment for Mashair (camps) services. - Transportation and Accommodation: The deadline for contracting essential services such as transportation and accommodation is September 23-24, 2025. - Pilgrims' Registration: The MoHU has set October 12, 2025, as the deadline for pilgrims' registration and submission of pilgrims' data for grouping via the Nusuk platform. - NAHCON's Deadline: The ...

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has made significant strides under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, showcasing notable achievements in pilgrim welfare and cost management. Here are some commendations on NAHCON's milestones: Key Achievements - Reduced Costs: NAHCON successfully negotiated reductions in various components of Hajj services, including airfare, Masha'ir services, transportation, and accommodation. - Improved Pilgrim Welfare: The commission prioritized pilgrim welfare, providing VIP Tent ‘A+’ facilities, aligning contracts with actual pilgrim numbers, mobilizing health workers, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines. - Hajj Savings Scheme: NAHCON expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme, partnering with additional banks to promote financial inclusion and lay a strong foundation for sustainable Hajj financing. - Accountability and Transparency: The commission demonstrated its commitment to accountability and transpa...

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has clarified the status of 2025 Hajj account reconciliation and urged stakeholders to make early payments for the 2026 pilgrimage. This development highlights the commission's efforts to ensure a smooth and efficient Hajj operationKey Points: - Account Reconciliation: NAHCON has not yet completed the 2026 Hajj accounts reconciliation, which is crucial for determining the final cost of the pilgrimage. - Early Payment: The commission is urging intending pilgrims and stakeholders to make early payments for the 2026 Hajj, emphasizing that timely compliance with Saudi Arabian authorities' deadlines is essential. - No Deadline Extensions: NAHCON has stressed that there will be no extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements, citing the strict enforcement of deadlines by Saudi authorities.¹ ² ³ Implications : - Improved Efficiency: Early payment and compliance with deadlines can lead to a more...

The blue bars show last year’s prices. The orange bars show the 2025 reduced prices. The red numbers indicate the amount reduced in each category. 1. Key Achievements (Quantifiable Reductions) NAHCON’s negotiations have led to direct cost savings for each pilgrim: Airfare : Reduction: $399 (~₦600,000 at ₦1,500/$) per pilgrim. Impact : This is one of the largest single savings, considering airfare is a major cost driver. Masha’ir Services (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah rituals) : Reduction: 700+ Riyals (~₦1,050,000 at ₦1,500/₦-SAR) per pilgrim. Impact : Substantial relief since Masha’ir is compulsory and a collective cost. Transportation : Reduction: 130 Riyals (~₦195,000) per pilgrim. Impact : Moderate but meaningful across thousands of pilgrims. Accommodation (Madinah) : Reduction: 200 Riyals (~₦300,000) per pilgrim. Impact : Accommodation is essential; this reduction provides notable relief. 👉 Total Direct Reduction per pilgrim (approx.) = $...

The story of NAHCON staff commending their chairman over new postings and promotions raises several questions, given the backdrop of recent controversies surrounding the commission. Here's a breakdown¹: Allegations of Nepotism and Favoritism - Nepotism allegations: The NAHCON chairman's brother, Sirajo Salisu Usman, and nephew, Abdulmalik Diggi, were allegedly appointed to key positions, sparking concerns about nepotism and favoritism. - Favoritism claims: Pool officers recently posted to NAHCON were placed in critical leadership positions ahead of seasoned staff members, fueling allegations of unfair treatment. Staff Protests and Concerns - Staff protestsq: The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) raised concerns over alleged favoritism, unjust postings, and administrative irregularities at NAHCON. - qConcerns about morale: The union warned that these issues could undermine the morale of dedicated staff and hinder the commission's efficiency....

A recent meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) officials and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja turned heated, with the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and commissioners engaging in a shouting match.  General observations The dispute began when Professor Usman accused the three commissioners - Aliu Abdulrazak, Abubakar A. Yagawal, and Prince Anofi Elegushi - of throwing him under the bus during the meeting with Vice President Shettima. Usman claimed that the commissioners undermined his authority, and the Vice President's directive to have all NAHCON decisions approved by the commissioners and state chief executives was a vote of no confidence in his leadership. Allegations and Counter-Allegations The commissioners fired back, accusing Usman of sidelining them and implementing policies dictated by outsiders and family members. They also alleged that Usman's brother and nephew treated officia...

Ahmad Muazu's article attempts to paint a rosy picture of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), but several points warrant scrutiny. While NAHCON's dedication to serving Nigerian pilgrims is commendable, the article's defensive tone and accusations of sabotage and false narratives raise questions about transparency and accountability. Selective Narrative The article focuses on alleged sabotage and false narratives without addressing specific criticisms leveled against NAHCON. This selective narrative approach may be seen as an attempt to deflect legitimate concerns. Lack of Concrete Evidence The article makes several claims about NAHCON's achievements and the motivations of its critics but fails to provide concrete evidence to support these assertions. Overemphasis on External Factors NAHCON's challenges are attributed to external factors, such as late payments by pilgrims and delayed remittances by states. However, this overlooks potential i...

Let there be light and accountability in motion at NAHCON leadership   By HIRO Researcher  The recent expulsion of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman's biological brother, Sirajo Salisu Usman, and nephew, Abdulmalik Diggi, along with 24 other seconded civil servants from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has sparked intense debate. While this move may be seen as a victory for critics who accused the NAHCON chairman of nepotism, it's essential to examine the underlying issues and implications of this development. Allegations of Nepotism and Favoritism The NAHCON staff union had previously raised concerns about favoritism and unjust postings, alleging that pool officers recently posted to NAHCON were placed in critical leadership positions ahead of seasoned staff members. Specifically, they pointed out that key offices were dominated by individuals from Borno State, sparking concerns about imbalance and unfair treatment.¹ Implications of the ...

Saudi Arabia has strict public decency laws that govern behavior in public places. These laws are designed to promote respect for Islamic values and maintain social order. Here are some key aspects of public decency laws in Saudi Arabia: Playing Music During Salat - *Fine:* 1,000-2,000 Saudi riyals for playing music during Adhan (call to prayer) - *Rule:* Playing loud music during prayer times is prohibited, but listening to music on headphones is allowed - *Purpose:* To maintain the sanctity of prayer times and respect for those praying Taking Photos or Videos Without Consent - *Fine:* 100 Saudi riyals for first-time offenders, 200 Saudi riyals for repeat offenders - *Rule:* Taking photos or videos of individuals without their consent is considered a violation of public decency - *Purpose:* To protect individuals' privacy and maintain social respect Wearing Indecent Clothing - *Fine:* 250-500 Saudi riyals for wearing shorts in mosques or government offices - *Rule:* Dr...