The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Governor Zulum made this pledge over the weekend while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with other National Commissioners during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
“As the Governor of Borno State, I will do everything humanly possible and exercise the political will to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise. Borno is among the leading states committed to Hajj activities in the country,” Zulum stated.
The governor congratulated Professor Usman on his recent appointment as NAHCON Chairman and assured him of Borno State’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless operations for the upcoming Hajj.
Highlighting the success of the 2024 Hajj, Zulum noted that pilgrims from Borno State faced no significant challenges during the exercise. He commended the timely airlifting of pilgrims, the provision of quality accommodation in the Holy Land, and other support measures.
However, the governor urged NAHCON to address lingering issues related to accommodation for pilgrims and VIPs in Minna and Arafah, which he described as contentious during the 2024 Hajj.
Zulum also called for the establishment of a realistic benchmark for Hajj fares, citing the fluctuating exchange rate as a critical factor. He suggested that the commission provide interim figures to enable state pilgrims’ boards to begin preparations in advance, with flexibility for adjustments.
“The transition in the abolishment of the foreign exchange regime has significantly impacted the 2024 Hajj. However, we are optimistic that the situation will not repeat itself in the next pilgrimage,” he remarked.
The governor warned against acts of sabotage that could hinder the state government’s efforts to ensure a successful 2025 Hajj.
In response, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Zulum of the commission’s determination to reform Hajj operations for a seamless 2025 exercise.
He disclosed that committees have been set up to oversee airline selection, feeding arrangements, and accommodation for pilgrims. He also announced ongoing discussions with service providers to conduct transactions in Naira instead of U.S. dollars, a measure aimed at reducing Hajj costs.
The NAHCON delegation, which included National Commissioners and senior management staff, pledged to work collaboratively with the Borno State Government to ensure a smooth Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
