The Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team (NHMST) has called on the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators to be partners in progress in ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the 2025 Hajj operations.
The NHMST emphasized the need for all stakeholders involved to act in accordance with the established rules and regulations to prevent any disruptions to the pilgrimage process.
The call comes in response to concerns about potential actions that could undermine the integrity of the operations, affecting not only the pilgrims but also the reputation of Nigeria’s involvement in Hajj affairs.
Read full statement
Don’t derail 2025 hajj exercise’, NHMST tells state pilgrims, tour operators
The Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team (NHMST) has cautioned the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private tour operators against action capable of truncating the 2025 Hajj operations.
Besides, the NHMST, a pressure group monitoring and reporting hajj exercise in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, equally vowed to ‘expose individual(s) and official saboteurs conniving to frustrate preparation for this year’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.’
In a signed statement by National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, in Kaduna on Tuesday, NHMST expressed worry over failed attempts by some states and tour operators to obstruct arrangements for the seamless spiritual exercise being perfected by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The media professionals passionate about ensuring Nigerian intending pilgrims get value for resources expended on the religious practices at the holy land vowed to resist all impending sabotage against Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman-led commission.
NHMST referenced the recent foul cry over the alleged service provider’s contract cancellation by NAHON, and issues related to hajj fare and dollar rate being orchestrated by selfish-minded individuals within the industry to blackmail the leadership of NAHCON.
The Hajj monitoring group reminded those intending to constitute a clog in the wheel of seamless 2025 Hajj under any disguise should rather prepare for the repercussions.NHMST’sMstronglyong worded statement read in pats : “NHMST is committed to reporting and monitoring general activities of Hajj and ensuring pilgrims from Nigeria get fair treatment.”
“Our attention, however, is drawn to unfolding developments regarding a purported cancelled contract with one of the Saudi-based service providers by NAHCON.”
” Though, those that orchestrated the heat successfully attracted the much attention they so desired. But unfortunately, it was a total failure because the narrative could not hit the target. They failed because it was not NAHCON that cancelled the supposed contract.”
” Simply put, many right-thinking individuals would wonder what could have warranted some state boards to trigger the issue, such as generating unnecessary tension if they are also clean about the contract. How does the cancellation of a contract in Saudi Arabia prevent intending pilgrims from going for Hajj?
” Although those perpetrating the evil act know well that NAHCON has the statutory responsibility to cancel any undertaken to ease the welfare of pilgrims during the spiritual exercise. NHMST will not fold its arms to allow any element to cause national embarrassment to our intending pilgrims.
” It is high time the saboteurs change their strategy because Professor Usman (Pakistan), a new Sheriff in Town, is presently in charge of the Hajj commission. He has promised to entrench transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj affairs in Nigeria. While holding NAHCON by their words, NHMST would not allow any foreign body to derail Hajj activities. It can be business as usual “. Nagarta warned.
Signed
Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta National coordinator Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team
11th February, 2025
