Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj have expressed deep satisfaction with the quality of arrangements put in place at Mina, the symbolic city of tents, where key rites of the pilgrimage continue to unfold. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has received widespread commendation from the faithful for what many described as a well-coordinated and spiritually uplifting experience.
Multiple pilgrims on ground that the conditions in Mina known for hosting the crucial stoning ritual at the Jamaraat have been largely comfortable and organised, with accommodation, feeding, sanitation, and transportation all receiving positive reviews. Many Nigerian worshippers, who had travelled from various states under the care of state pilgrim welfare boards, hailed the efforts of NAHCON for ensuring seamless logistics despite the challenges of managing thousands in a foreign land.
Pilgrims interviewed praised the quick response of officials to minor concerns, and the overall improvement in welfare delivery compared to previous years. From clean tents equipped with cooling systems to regular food distribution and efficient shuttle movement between sites, the attention to detail has not gone unnoticed.
“I’ve been to Hajj before, and this is the most organised experience I’ve had so far,” said Alhaji Sulaiman, a pilgrim from Kano. “The way NAHCON handled our movement, our welfare, and even health needs has been commendable. We pray Allah rewards them for this.”
Another pilgrim, Hajia Zainab from Osun State, echoed similar sentiments, particularly noting the availability of female health personnel and interpreters. “As a woman, it matters to have access to people who understand our needs, especially in such a spiritual but physically demanding exercise,” she said.
NAHCON’s advance planning, in partnership with Saudi authorities, appears to have paid off, with crowd control measures, medical outreach, and pilgrim education sessions proving highly effective. The commission, led by Chairman Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, has maintained a strong presence across the holy sites, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims are well informed and supported throughout their spiritual journey.
In Mina, the faithful are currently engaged in one of the most iconic rites of Hajj, the symbolic stoning of the devil, an act that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Satan’s temptations. The ritual, carried out over several days, requires significant crowd management, and NAHCON’s coordination with Saudi security and health personnel has helped prevent congestion and health emergencies.
As the pilgrims continue their sacred rites, the atmosphere in Mina remains one of gratitude, reflection, and unity. For many Nigerians, the improved experience this year stands as a testament to what diligent preparation and purposeful leadership can achieve. With prayers rising from Mina toward the heavens, Nigerian voices are among those thanking not only their Creator but also the hands that helped ease the path to fulfilment.
