By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has debunked claims that he unilaterally revoked the contract with Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, putting Nigerian pilgrims at risk of missing the 2025 Hajj.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia in response to inquiries by Hajj Chronicles Newspaper, Professor Usman dismissed the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” assuring Nigerians that all contractual agreements related to the 2025 Hajj remain intact.

“We want to assure all the 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims that no such move has been made by the Commission,” he stated.

The NAHCON Chairman clarified that the Commission is fully committed to ensuring seamless arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims and that any decision made is in line with established regulations and in the best interest of the pilgrims.

“Our priority remains the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. Every step we take is to ensure they receive the best possible services at the most reasonable cost,” he emphasized.

Prof Usman further reassured stakeholders that NAHCON operates strictly within the guidelines set by Saudi authorities and that all service provider engagements undergo thorough scrutiny.

“Visa processing, accommodation, and Masha’ir services remain on track. There is no threat whatsoever to Nigerian pilgrims’ participation in the 2025 Hajj,” he affirmed.

He urged the public to disregard the misinformation being spread by individuals seeking to create unnecessary panic and confusion in the Hajj industry.