As preparations for Hajj 2025 accelerate, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organization dedicated to advocating for effective Hajj policies, has called for a harmonious and merit-based approach among all stakeholders involved in the pilgrimage process. IHR urges the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the various State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to adopt transparent, meritocratic criteria in selecting adhoc officials who will serve Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. This call comes in response to past challenges where some government-appointed officials abandoned their duties shortly after arrival in the Kingdom, leaving pilgrims underserved and vulnerable.
IHR highlights that the roles of these officials are critical to the success of Hajj operations, especially since NAHCON and state boards lack sufficient manpower to provide comprehensive services during the offshore phase of the pilgrimage. The organization points to best practices in countries like Malaysia, Pakistan, and Indonesia, where officials are selected through applications, interviews, and formal agreements outlining their responsibilities and penalties for non-compliance. IHR warns that political interference and nepotism have compromised the quality of officials appointed in Nigeria, sometimes resulting in officials seeking preferential treatment or acting as additional burdens rather than support to pilgrims.
Beyond the selection of officials, IHR’s position underscores the need for all stakeholders—government agencies, welfare boards, civil society groups, and the media—to foster a cooperative and respectful relationship. Such harmony is essential to ensure that pilgrims receive the best possible care and that the complex logistics of Hajj are managed smoothly. The media support group stresses that a united front, grounded in professionalism and accountability, will help safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and contribute to a hitch-free Hajj experience in 2025.
This appeal aligns with ongoing efforts by NAHCON to enhance the Hajj experience through capacity building, partnerships, and infrastructural development, all aimed at improving services and ensuring pilgrims’ safety and comfort. As Nigeria prepares to send thousands of faithful to the holy sites, the call for collaboration and meritocracy among stakeholders stands as a crucial step toward a successful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage season.
