Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to take concrete measures to improve the conduct of subsequent Hajj operations in the country. This was contained in a press release by the Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Yahaya Sarki.
Speaking at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, during a courtesy visit by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, Governor Idris expressed optimism about the new leadership of the commission, despite the challenges that marred the 2024 Hajj.
Reflecting on the 2024 pilgrimage, the Governor highlighted issues such as inadequate accommodation and insufficient services for pilgrims in Makkah, Medina, and other holy sites.
“I was also a witness as I performed the last Hajj, and myself, alongside some Governors, other highly placed Nigerians, and our pilgrims, were stranded and left to suffer,” Dr. Idris said.
However, he added, “I am extremely confident in the ability of the new NAHCON team to change the negative narratives. Plausible measures should be urgently taken to reverse the ugly story about the 2024 Hajj and seriously improve on the exercise.”
Governor Idris assured the commission of his administration’s continued support to ensure efficient Hajj operations in 2025 and beyond. He vowed to strengthen the collaboration between the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) and NAHCON to better serve the state’s pilgrims.
In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan explained that the visit to Kebbi State was part of a nationwide tour aimed at improving Hajj operations. He highlighted several initiatives, including efforts to allow the payment of Hajj fares in Naira instead of U.S. dollars and increasing the number of banks managing the Hajj savings scheme, with banks like Taj and Lotus already onboard.
“We are fully committed to reversing the ugly trend we inherited,” Prof. Pakistan affirmed, while commending Governor Idris for his unwavering support during the 2024 Hajj.
The Chairman of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Musa Yaro, also lauded Governor Idris for his moral and financial backing, which he said positioned Kebbi State as a model for Hajj operations in Nigeria.
All 2024 pilgrims from Kebbi State have received refunds of N61,080 each, with the state government covering associated bank charges, as directed by Governor Idris.
The Governor’s pledge of continued commitment and the initiatives by NAHCON signal hope for a more efficient and fulfilling Hajj experience in 2025.
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