By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged his full support for the success of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

He made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) headquarters, Hajj House, in Abuja on February 24, 2025.

This is even as NAHCON announced that registration for the 2025 Hajj remains open, as the Commission has secured over 52,000 slots for Nigerian pilgrims. Intending pilgrims are urged to complete their payments promptly, as once the quota is exhausted, no further payments will be accepted

During the visit, Governor Zulum assured NAHCON?s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, of his willingness to collaborate with the Commission to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.

He also promised to engage his fellow governors within the North-East Governors Forum and the Nigerian Governors? Forum to facilitate timely payment of Hajj fares by intending pilgrims.

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous Hajj, Governor Zulum commended NAHCON?s efforts in managing the complex pilgrimage process.

He specifically highlighted VIP management as a key issue and urged the Commission to assign competent personnel to oversee VIP affairs while ensuring an equitable distribution of VIP slots to all states that formally request them.

The Governor further advised NAHCON to engage state governors early in the Hajj preparation process to prevent misinformation and enhance coordination. Expressing confidence in the Commission?s readiness, he noted that the level of preparations already in place suggests a successful 2025 Hajj exercise.

In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Usman, expressed his delight at hosting Governor Zulum and provided updates on the secured spaces for Nigerian pilgrims, including those allocated for Private Tour Operators. He assured the Governor that preparations were well advanced, with a substantial number of VIP slots already reserved.

NAHCON?s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who delivered the vote of thanks, described Governor Zulum?s visit as a great honor, recalling how Borno State pilgrims had enthusiastically praised their Governor during the last Hajj. He also revealed that NAHCON has engaged Umzah Airlines, alongside three other approved carriers, to enhance the participation of indigenous airlines in this year?s Hajj operations.

The meeting was attended by NAHCON board members, senior management staff, and a representative from the Office of the Vice President.

Meanwhile, NAHCON has announced that registration for the 2025 Hajj remains open, as the Commission has secured over 52,000 slots for Nigerian pilgrims. Intending pilgrims are urged to complete their payments promptly, as once the quota is exhausted, no further payments will be accepted.

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