From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals, AHMSP, has called on stakeholders in Nigerian Hajj industry to refrain from constituting any act capable of frustrating National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON’s preparation to transport over 52,000 Nigerians to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
The association, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta on Saturday noted that it is longer strange that NAHCON’s Hajj operations receive wide range of media attacks.
According to AHMSP, however, there is no point for criticisms against NAHCON in view of the tremendous success it has achieved in this year’s Hajj preparations, under Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman.
“ It is no longer strange that Hajj exercise and activities around the Nigerian Hajj house are attracting a wide range of media outreach. In other words, the loud ovation symbolizes the significance of hajj in Nigerian context.
“AHMSP has monitored activities of NAHCON and preparation for hajj 2025 in the last month and came to the realization of tremendous achievements recorded so far by the commission under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh.
“ We have seen how the present NAHCON board disbursed refunds from Saudi Arabia, monies for poor and non-rendered service to Nigerian pilgrims in previous hajj. Professor Saleh, instructed for prompt and immediate disbursement of the funds to all affected 2023 pilgrims. This act signified utmost transparency and fear of Allah.
“ AHMSP also took cognisance of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman’s diligence in negotiating a downward review of the cost of services and eventually securing discounts on accommodation, transportation, feeding and other services at Masha’ir. This development led to drastic drop in the overall Hajj fare for 2025 against the expectations of higher fare courtesy of the uncertainty of forex rate in the country.
“ Against all odds, the Commission also took responsibility and secured accommodations for private tours ahead of the deadline, even when the operators could not raise funds for the service,” part of the statement reads.
AHMSP, a non-profit interest group of media professionals in Nigeria, also advocated for unhindered support and harmonious relationships among stakeholders in Hajj industry in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
Professionals, who monitor and report Hajj activities concerning Nigerian pilgrims, urged relevant and key players in the industry to support the preparation and tireless efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to guarantee seamless pilgrimage this year.
“The Professionals who monitor and report Hajj activities concerning Nigerian pilgrims, are worried about the flood of negative thoughts and sponsored media articles around the Hajj regulator of recent, even as activities for 2025 Hajj are gathering momentum.
AHMSP is also worried that the criticisms came when the 2025 Hajj has reached its peak, adding that “but throwing a spanner in the wheel of its progress, for whatever motives, should be discouraged by all.”
Instead, AHMSP urged stakeholders to consider the significance of Hajj exercise as a sacred call to serve Almighty Allah, above other mundane and peculiar interests, adding that derailing sensitive activities at this material time earns no one any meaningful gain.
AHMSP cited the tremendous achievements recorded so far ahead of airlift of pilgrims commencement, insisting that NAHCON, under the tutelage of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, deserves commendation from the expanded stakeholders.
