The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has secured 1,000 bed spaces in Tent A at Mina as part of preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
NAHCON is also waiting for an additional allocation in the premium Tent A Plus category from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, made this known during a meeting with private tour operators at the Nigeria Hajj Affairs Office in Makkah.
Mina, located about 8 kilometers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is a major site for Hajj pilgrims. It is where they stay in tents and perform key rituals, including the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat).
Usman explained that while NAHCON has secured 1,000 bed spaces in Tent A, it is still waiting for confirmation of more slots in Tent A Plus.
He urged tour operators to indicate their interest in the available allocation, emphasizing the need for quick action.
“Time is running out,” he warned, appealing for full cooperation to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.
NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, Compliance, and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegusi, also spoke at the meeting. He described the gathering as important and called on tour operators to be open in their discussions.
He stressed the need for a smooth operation, saying, “The role of tour operators is crucial for a successful Hajj. Let us work together to make this process seamless.”
One major issue raised was the need to meet with service providers of Tent A before finalizing agreements. The operators stressed that this would prevent a repeat of the challenges faced in 2024.
In response, NAHCON promised to arrange an inspection and a meeting with the service providers soon.
Another concern was the difficulty tour operators face in making payments through the e-track system. NAHCON assured them it would intervene and asked for more details from the affected operators.
With Hajj preparations in full swing, NAHCON is working to ensure a smooth experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
