Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, has pledged to ensure the success of the 2025 hajj, emphasising his administration’s willingness to facilitate a smooth and efficient operations for the pilgrimage.
Gov. Zulum made the commitment at the weekend while playing host to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, and other national commissioners during a courtesy visit at 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,” Gov. Zulum stated.
While congratulating Prof. Usman on his recent appointment as NAHCON chairman, the governor assured him of Borno State’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.
Reflecting on the 2024 hajj, Gov. Zulum highlighted the successes of the hajj, noting that Borno pilgrims experienced timely airlifting, quality accommodations in Saudi Arabia, and received effective support measures.
However, he urged NAHCON to address lingering issues, particularly accommodation challenges for pilgrims in Mina and Arafah, which he described as contentious.
The governor emphasised the need for a realistic benchmark for hajj fares, citing the impact of fluctuating exchange rates on the 2024 pilgrimage.
Read also: Court sentences Man to 12years for raping Woman in Purdah
He advised NAHCON to provide interim fare estimates to enable state pilgrim boards to plan ahead, with adjustments made as necessary.
“The transition in the abolishment of the foreign exchange regime significantly impacted the 2024 hajj. However, we are optimistic that this situation will not repeat itself in the next pilgrimage,” Gov. Zulum said.
He further warned against any act of sabotage that can undermine the state government’s efforts to ensure a successful 2025 hajj.
Responding, NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Usman assured the governor of the commission’s determination to improve hajj operations.
He disclosed that committees have been set up to oversee airline selection, feeding arrangements and accommodation for pilgrims.
Prof. Usman also revealed that NAHCON is in discussions with service providers to conduct transactions in naira instead of dollars, a measure aimed at reducing hajj costs.
