2025 Hajj: VP Shettima orders NAHCON to resolve visa issues

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians, especially the Muslim community, that no intending pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj and that the pilgrimage will proceed smoothly.

According to reports, Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to take all necessary measures to ensure a seamless pilgrimage.

His spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that this directive followed a meeting between the Vice President and NAHCON’s management and board at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

Shettima convened the meeting in response to reports that a contractual dispute with Saudi service provider Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah could potentially lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.

“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” Shettima assured.

The Vice President emphasized the need for NAHCON to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, stating:

“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance. From now on, we must set the right standards, move in the right direction, and ensure a hitch-free Hajj.”

Addressing concerns over the alleged contract cancellation with the Saudi-based company, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the issue would not disrupt the pilgrimage.

“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman stated.

He also dismissed claims by the Forum of States Pilgrim Welfare Agencies that the contract dispute could jeopardize the pilgrimage.