By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals (AHMSP) has called for unity and collaboration among stakeholders in Nigeria?s Hajj industry to ensure a smooth and successful 2025 pilgrimage exercise.

In a statement made available to News Express and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, AHMSP, Saturday April 19, 2025 emphasized the need for stakeholders to support the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in its ongoing preparations, describing the pilgrimage as a sacred responsibility that should not be politicized or disrupted.

The group, comprising media professionals who monitor and report on Hajj activities involving Nigerian pilgrims, expressed concern over what it described as ?a surge in negative narratives and sponsored media attacks? targeted at NAHCON in recent weeks.

It warned that such distractions could derail the Commission?s progress at a time when preparations for the 2025 Hajj are gathering momentum.

?At this peak period, when efforts toward a successful 2025 Hajj are in full swing, any attempt to throw a spanner in the wheel of progress, for whatever reason, must be discouraged by all well-meaning Nigerians,? the statement said.

AHMSP urged stakeholders to place the spiritual significance of Hajj above personal and political interests, adding that attempts to derail sensitive operations at this stage would bring no meaningful benefit to anyone.

The association commended NAHCON?s leadership under Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh for what it described as ?remarkable achievements? in the buildup to this year?s pilgrimage.

Among the achievements cited were the prompt disbursement of refunds to 2023 pilgrims for services not rendered by Saudi providers and the successful negotiation of reduced costs for accommodation, feeding, and transportation services in Masha?ir. These efforts, according to AHMSP, contributed to the surprising reduction in the 2025 Hajj fare despite uncertainties around Nigeria?s foreign exchange rate.

?In a rare show of accountability, NAHCON under Professor Saleh instructed the immediate refund of monies from Saudi Arabia to affected pilgrims?a move that reflects transparency and the fear of Allah,? the group said.

The association also noted NAHCON?s intervention in securing accommodations for private Hajj operators who were unable to meet the deadline due to financial challenges, praising the Commission for taking responsibility in the interest of the wider Hajj community.

AHMSP concluded by urging interested parties to refrain from any act capable of frustrating the Commission?s plans to transport over 52,000 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the significance of Hajj transcends personal ambitions.

?The increased media attention around Hajj operations in Nigeria is a testament to the exercise?s importance. We must all rise above sentiments and join hands in ensuring a successful Hajj for our pilgrims,? the statement added.

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