CSO Calls for Urgent Review of 2025 Hajj, Demands Transparent Plan for 2025
By Christie Doyin
Following the conclusion of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, a civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately initiate a comprehensive appraisal of this year’s pilgrimage operations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the group stressed the need for an open and transparent review platform to identify service failures and prevent their recurrence during the 2026 Hajj.
According to IHR, while there were noticeable improvements in the first phase of airlifts and services at Mina, serious concerns emerged around security lapses, inadequate medical screenings, poor accommodations, and the chaotic handling of flight manifests.
The organisation cited the arrest of wanted kidnappers who had infiltrated the pilgrims’ registration database without detection as an alarming security breach. It also raised questions over how a nine-month pregnant woman from Zamfara, who gave birth during the pilgrimage, managed to pass through health screenings.
IHR further condemned the inadequate medical attention reported in both Makkah and Madinah and the poor coordination surrounding payment of allowances to some ad-hoc officials stationed in Saudi Arabia.
“The payment process for ad-hoc staff in Makkah was embarrassing and must be reviewed. There were also issues with overcrowded flight manifests and a shortage of bed spaces in Madinah, which significantly affected pilgrims’ welfare,” the statement read.
The CSO expressed disappointment that most Nigerian pilgrims were lodged far from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, making it difficult for them to participate in daily prayers at the Haram. It called for a review of accommodation policies to ensure better access in future Hajj exercises.
Looking ahead, IHR noted that preparations for the 2026 Hajj have already begun and urged NAHCON to immediately begin implementing the newly released Hajj calendar of events by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It warned that the timeline offers no room for delay, especially in the areas of pilgrims’ registration and the procurement of services in Saudi Arabia.
IHR concluded by calling for a factual and sincere self-assessment of the 2025 Hajj operations, devoid of political undertones or undue self-praise.
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