Usman: Saudi authorities, not NAHCON, cancelled service provider contracts for 2025 hajj

Abdullahi Usman, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has dismissed claims that the commission revoked Nigeria’s 2025 hajj contract with its designated Saudi service provider.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia on Monday, Usman described the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” assuring intending pilgrims that all contractual agreements remain intact.

“We want to assure all 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims that no such move has been made by the commission,” he said.

The NAHCON chairman clarified that Saudi authorities had twice revoked and reinstated the contracts of two service providers, a decision in which NAHCON played no role.

He explained that his urgent trip to Saudi Arabia was to engage with officials and prevent disruptions to hajj preparations.

“This is the reason I hurriedly traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with the authorities concerned,” he said.

Usman added that a scheduled meeting with Saudi officials on Sunday was postponed to Monday, as NAHCON continues seeking clarity to prevent setbacks.

“We want to know why the contract was canceled. On our part, NAHCON did not cancel their contract,” he said.

“If they want to renew the contract, let them do it once and for all. If they want to substitute them, this should be made clear. This would be done instantly to avoid hitches.”

Despite the situation, he noted that visa processing, accommodation, and Masha’ir services for Nigerian pilgrims remain unaffected.

“There is no threat whatsoever to Nigerian pilgrims’ participation in the 2025 Hajj,” Usman assured.

He noted NAHCON’s commitment to transparency and compliance, while urging the public to disregard misinformation aimed at causing panic in the hajj industry.

“We call on the general public to ignore these false reports. NAHCON remains committed to transparency and accountability in all its dealings,” he said.