Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the Hajj pilgrimage experience in 2025. Building on the success of the 2024 operations, Governor Zulum assured citizens of his dedication to enhancing efficiency and accountability in the Hajj process.
The Governor made this pledge while receiving the 2024 Hajj report from the Amirul Hajj team, led by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, at the Government House in Maiduguri. Describing the 2024 Hajj as one of the most successful in recent years, he praised the smooth coordination of operations, particularly the airlift of pilgrims.
“This year’s Hajj has been a remarkable success, with exceptional organization under my administration. The airlift of pilgrims from Maiduguri to Madina and Jidda back to Maiduguri was seamless,” Zulum stated.
Governor Zulum commended the efforts of the Amirul Hajj team, the quality of services rendered, and the disciplined conduct of pilgrims, which he said were instrumental to the overall success. He assured that the recommendations outlined in the report would be meticulously reviewed and acted upon to sustain and enhance the progress achieved.
“I will personally examine the report clause by clause within the next few hours to ensure that every valuable suggestion is implemented,” he pledged.
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The Governor highlighted several innovations introduced during the 2024 Hajj, including the use of online platforms to inform pilgrims about flight schedules and the publication of names to simplify logistics. He also announced a significant policy shift, ending government coverage of excess luggage costs for defaulting pilgrims. Starting in 2025, pilgrims will be responsible for these costs, a move aimed at fostering personal accountability.
Zulum directed the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Board to inform all intending pilgrims of this new policy and encouraged the adoption of advanced technology to eradicate fraudulent practices in the Hajj process.
In his presentation, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, leader of the Amirul Hajj team, revealed that 1,803 pilgrims successfully performed the 2024 pilgrimage without any fatalities, although five individuals required hospitalization. He lauded Governor Zulum’s support, which included securing premium accommodations in Mecca, covering Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differentials of ₦260 million, and funding sacrificial animals to the tune of ₦290 million.
