Nigerian Muslim Coalition Urges Tinubu to Restore NAHCON Supervision to SGF Office, Citing Risks of Politicisation

A coalition of Nigerian Muslim stakeholders has written to President Bola Tinubu demanding the reversal of the current supervisory arrangement placing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under the Office of the Vice President. The group insists that the NAHCON Act of 2006 assigns coordination to the Presidency through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), warning that the 2023 restructuring exposes Hajj operations to political influence and administrative instability. They urged Tinubu to order a formal review, restore SGF oversight, and prevent future politically-driven restructuring, stressing that consistent and professional management is vital for the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia Releases Three Nigerian Pilgrims Held Over Dr¥g Trafficking Allegations After FG’s Intervention.

Three Nigerian pilgrims earlier detained in Saudi Arabia over alleged drug trafficking have regained their freedom following the intervention of the Federal Government.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed their release on Wednesday. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the development came after official engagement between the NDLEA and Saudi authorities.

According to him, the freed pilgrims, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq had been in custody in Jeddah for about four weeks. He added that the trio would soon return to Nigeria.

Babafemi also cautioned air travelers to always ensure proper luggage tagging before boarding flights to avoid falling victim to drug syndicates.

Saudi Authorities Release Three Nigerian Pilgrims Arrested For ‘Drug Trafficking’.

of the three Nigerian pilgrims, Marwa engaged with his Saudi counterpart at multiple levels and different locations including Saudi Arabia in compliance with President Tinubu’s agenda that no Nigerian suffers unjustly in a foreign land.

Following the series of engagements one of the three Nigerians was released from custody on Sunday 14th September and the remaining two on Monday 15th September 2025.

Expressing happiness over the development, Marwa commended his counterpart at the Saudi GDNC for upholding the essence of the Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and GDNC on collaboration and partnership.

Saudi Arabia Warns Nigerian Pilgrims: Hajj Without Valid Visa Attracts N8.15m Fine, Jail Term

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned that anyone caught performing the 2026 Hajj without a valid visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (≈N8.15m) and imprisonment.

The warning was issued during a virtual meeting between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to review preparations.

Saudi officials stressed strict compliance with deadlines, including:

MoU signing: November 2025

Camp booking/service contracts: January 4, 2026

Transport & accommodation uploads: February 1, 2026

Final visa issuance: 1st of Shawwal

They also mandated that all sacrificial rites (Hadaya) and bookings be completed via the Nusuk Masar platform.

NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman pledged adherence to ensure smooth coordination for Nigerian pilgrims.

#Hajj2026 #SaudiArabia #Nigeria

2025 Hajj: Last Plane Lands In Kaduna;
NAHCON Concludes Pilgrims' Return Operations.

The last flight of the Nigerian Pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia has safely landed at Kaduna International Airport.

This marks the successful conclusion of the return airlift operations by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria following the completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The final flight which departed King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah at about half past ten in the morning had 88 pilgrims onboard.

A statement issued by the NAHCON Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara quoted the Commission Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman as expressing profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the smooth and successful Hajj exercise.

He attributed the success to the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated by the State Pilgrims' Welfare Boards, officials, airline operators and other service providers, as well as obedience of the pilgrims to the laid down guidelines.

The Chairman urged the returning pilgrims to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders at all levels.

The return leg operation spanned 20 days after commencing on 13th of June, 2025.

Nigerian Pilgrims Stranded In Saudi Arabia As Hajj Commission Laments Inadequate Flight Slots

Nigerian Pilgrims Stranded In Saudi Arabia As Hajj Commission Laments Inadequate Flight Slots |

Heat Alert in Mecca: NAHCON Urges Nigerian Pilgrims to Stay Indoors Between 10AM–4PM Amid Soaring Saudi Temperatures

No One Should Curse Tinubu, Governors, Other Leaders in Mecca – NAHCON Ulama Team Tells Hajj Pilgrims

As the 2025 Hajj season unfolds, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ulama team has issued a timely reminder to Nigerian pilgrims: Mecca is a sacred space for worship, not a platform for political grievances.

The scholars urged pilgrims to refrain from cursing or insulting President Bola Tinubu, state governors, or any other political leaders during their time in the holy land. They emphasized that the essence of Hajj is spiritual purification, supplication, and deep reflection—not condemnation.

“Pilgrims are encouraged to pray for the country and its leaders rather than curse them,” said one member of the NAHCON Ulama team. “This is a moment for unity, not division.”

The message is clear: uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage by focusing on faith and humility. Mecca is a place to seek blessings—not to express political frustrations.

#Hajj2025 #NAHCON #Tinubu #Mecca #HajjPilgrims