Areal view of tents for pilgrims in Mina
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has secured 26,287 spaces for Nigerian pilgrims in Mashair and reserved another 26,000 for the 2025 hajj.
Mashair are sacred sites in Makkah that pilgrims visit or places where hajj rituals take place. They include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Fatima Usara, NAHCON spokesperson, said the secured spaces cover deposits already received, while the remaining spaces are expected to be secured before the February 14 deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU).
“This proactive move to reserve space in Mashair, led by NAHCON chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, ensures compliance with the 14 February deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) for finalising contract agreements by Hajj-participating countries,” Usara said.
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Usara added that Usman signed the Mashair agreement on January 17 at NAHCON’s Ummul Judd office in Makkah, after consulting with key stakeholders, including the forum of state chairmen, board members, and a representative of the presidency.
She said the chairman appreciated the collaborative role of Idris Almakura, Faruku Aliyu, Abubakar Salihu from the states forum, and Ameen Amshi, representing the presidency, during the screening and selection process.
Usara said Usman sought and received approval from Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to Makkah to finalise the contract, preventing setbacks while ensuring visas can be uploaded from February 19.
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According to Usara, the chairman expressed gratitude to the vice-president for his quick approval, which enabled NAHCON to “swiftly and decisively” secure the spaces ahead of the deadline.
Usara said he urged intending pilgrims to stay updated via the commission’s official platforms, while assuring that “all efforts have been put in place to ensure they experience a convenient and hitch-free Hajj this year”.
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