By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

As preparations intensify for Hajj 2025, faith-based Civil Society Organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called for the clear definition of roles and responsibilities for state-appointed Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations, in order to ensure smooth and efficient Hajj operations.

The call was made in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 by IHR?s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, who stressed that while the appointment of such delegations is the prerogative of state governments, it is vital that they come with specific terms of reference, particularly in Saudi Arabia where the core religious rites are performed.

?We acknowledge the responsibilities of governments in appointing Amirul Hajj teams and delegations, but these appointments must be accompanied by unambiguous roles and responsibilities ? especially during operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,? Muhammad stated.

According to IHR, previous Hajj exercises have been marred by confusion caused when some Amirul Hajj Teams, intended to be support bodies, ?overstep their mandates? and interfere in the operational plans of the States? Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

?In some cases, Amirul Hajj or government-appointed delegations hijack the operational machinery from state officials, directing who does what ? often without a deep understanding of Hajj logistics or Saudi guidelines,? the CSO said.

IHR emphasised that Hajj operations are highly structured and guided by regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. ?As the only Nigerian body officially recognized by the Saudi authorities, NAHCON automatically assumes the lead in implementing operational plans in collaboration with State Boards,? the organisation said.

It warned that allowing individuals unfamiliar with these protocols to take control could result in disorganization and failure in critical areas.

IHR also noted that unlike their counterparts in other countries, Nigerian Amirul Hajj teams and delegations rarely participate in field activities, such as guiding pilgrims in Makkah and Mina, helping with transport logistics, food distribution, or conducting welfare visits to pilgrims.

?These are the areas where their involvement would be most valuable, yet they are often absent,? the group added.

However, the organisation urged State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards ?to work cooperatively with their Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations to ensure the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during the sacred journey.?

It reiterated that while symbolic and ?fatherly? roles played by some delegation members can add value, ?they must not obstruct or override operational authorities?.

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