By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

While acknowledging some improvements during this year?s pilgrimage particularly the timely commencement of airlifts and enhanced services at Mina the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) said serious gaps still marred the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, Sunday July 13, 2025, the civil society organization called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately initiate a transparent and comprehensive review of the 2025 Hajj operations.

Among the major concerns flagged by IHR were security failures that allowed wanted criminals into the pilgrims? database, resulting in arrests during outbound and return flights. It also pointed to inadequate medical screening, including the failure to detect a nine-month pregnant pilgrim from Zamfara who gave birth during the Hajj.

The group further criticized poor access to medical services in both Makkah and Madinah, delays in ad-hoc staff allowances, disorganized flight manifests, and the shortage of bed spaces in Madinah.

On accommodation, IHR said most pilgrims were housed far from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, limiting their ability to pray regularly at the Haram. It urged NAHCON to overhaul its accommodation guidelines ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage.

With the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah having already released the 2026 Hajj calendar, the organization called for early preparations, especially in registration, contracting of service providers, and securing adequate services in the Kingdom.

IHR pledged to continue monitoring and supporting efforts toward a more efficient and pilgrim-focused Hajj operation.

Update news