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NAHCON’s Preparations For The 2025 Hajj: A Commitment To Excellence

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NAHCON

NAHCON’s Preparations For The 2025 Hajj: A Commitment To Excellence

NAHCON’s Preparations for the 2025 Hajj: A Commitment to Excellence. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified its efforts ahead of the 2025 Hajj, implementing strategic measures to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

Despite initial skepticism, the commission has demonstrated proactive leadership under Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who has spearheaded key reforms and strengthened partnerships.

Contract Adjustments for Efficient Pilgrimage Management
One of the major developments was NAHCON’s decision to revise its service contracts in Saudi Arabia.

On February 22, 2025, the commission renegotiated its agreement with Mashariq Al Dhahabia, reducing the service scope from 95,000 to 52,000 pilgrims to align with actual participation numbers. Additionally, an alternative service provider was engaged to enhance support during the critical Masha’ir period, ensuring optimal care for Nigerian pilgrims.

While Mashariq Al Dhahabia raised concerns over the adjustment, NAHCON emphasized that prioritizing pilgrim welfare necessitated this decision.

Strengthening Leadership with a New Secretary
Recognizing the need for administrative efficiency, NAHCON appointed Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali as its new Secretary on February 26, 2025. Dr. Ali, a seasoned academic and administrator from Borno State, brings a wealth of experience in Islamic studies and public administration. His appointment follows a rigorous selection process and aims to enhance the commission’s operational framework.

Collaboration with State Governments
NAHCON has also engaged state governments to bolster Hajj operations. A key meeting between Professor Usman and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, resulted in the governor pledging support for NAHCON’s initiatives and mobilizing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to assist pilgrims nationwide.

NAHCON

NAHCON

Commitment to Transparency and Excellence
Amidst adjustments and reforms, NAHCON has remained transparent, openly communicating its decisions to the public. The commission’s dedication to enhancing service quality and ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience underscores its commitment to Nigerian pilgrims.

As preparations for the 2025 Hajj progress, NAHCON’s strategic approach, administrative restructuring, and collaborative efforts signal a promising and well-organized pilgrimage season.

With Ramadan offering a time for reflection and prayers, Nigerian Muslims can look forward to a spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.

Economy

Dangote Reveals Plan To Build 6 Mta Cement Plant In Itori, Largest Seaport At Olokola, Ogun state

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Dangote

Dangote Reveals Plan To Build 6 Mta Cement Plant In Itori, Largest Seaport At Olokola, Ogun state

Dangote reveals plan to build 6 Mta cement plant in Itori, largest Seaport at Olokola and Ogun state. He said Ogun State is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria.

Africa’s foremost Industrialist and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed his plan to build in Ogun State, a multi-billion-dollar Seaport, which will be the largest in Nigeria.

He also said two new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum, (Mta), for the cement plant is being constructed at Itori

Addressing the Ogun State Executive Council led by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during a courtesy visit, to the governor in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Dangote said he has decided to return and invest in Ogun State because of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration’s vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting investors, as well as the investor-friendly climate that exists in the state.

He said Ogun State is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Nigeria, positioning itself as the manufacturing ‘bedrock’ of Nigeria.

According to him:”We had earlier abandoned our vision of investing in the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), but because of your policies and investor-friendly environment, I want to say we are back and will work with the state government to return to Olokola, and plans are underway to construct the largest port in the country,” he pledged.

“I would especially like to commend, in a special way, my good friend and brother, Your Excellency, the governor of Ogun State, for your vision and deliberate policies that focus on attracting enterprises through immense support for the private sector, which is now attracting investors.

“Our factory at Itori was pulled down twice. When we started the second time, they not only demolished the factory but also the fence, so we left. But right now, because of His Excellency, our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back. When you visit the factory, you will be surprised at what we have done.

Giving an update on the company’s ongoing projects in the state, Dangote said two new lines with a capacity of 6.0 million metric tons per annum for the cement plant is being constructed at Itori, while the 12 million metric tons per annum cement plant is also located at Ibeshe.

Upon completion, the Dangote assured, the total capacity of the company’s cement plants in the state would be in the neighborhood of 18 million metric tons per annum, making it the highest cement-producing state or region in Africa.

“With the contributions of other cement producers in the state, Ogun remains far ahead of other countries across Africa in terms of cement production,” he said.

Dangote Cement, according to the Dangote Group President, is the leading cement producer in Africa with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tons per annum across the African continent.

He added that 70 percent of the production is carried out in Nigeria, with the Obajana plant in Kogi State accounting for 16.25 million metric tons per annum, the largest in Africa.

He said investment in the manufacturing of the product has made the nation self-sufficient in cement, just as the country is now self-sufficient in fertilizer, with the surplus going to the export market, thus earning the nation the needed foreign exchange.

While noting that the company’s target is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in whatever it consumes, Alhaji Dangote informed that the company is currently meeting domestic demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, as well as refined aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Nigeria, he said, is a growing economy; hence the need for private companies to complement government efforts, assuring that his company would continue to demonstrate its belief in the nation and its people by making investments targeted at transforming the nation’s economy.

He appreciated traditional rulers and the people of Itori for their support and partnership, which enabled the smooth and speedy take-off of the cement plant, adding that the encouragement from the people of Yewaland had fostered smooth operations, assuring continued adherence to its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities.

Responding, Governor Abiodun described the day the Dangote Refinery groundbreaking was performed in Lagos as “the day of heartbreak for the sons and daughters of Ogun State as they watched helplessly on television,” saying it was an indication that the project had left Olokola.

He said: “I want to thank you for coming back to Ogun State and also for your belief and trust in your country, Nigeria. I want to thank you for all that you have done, the number of people you have employed, and the impact you continue to make not just in this state, but in Nigeria as a whole.

“The way you selflessly continue to promote this country all over the world, we can’t thank you enough. Your life and story continue to be an inspiring narrative for all young men. You have excelled in everywhere you touch; you have the Midas touch.

“These are indeed giant strides. For us in Ogun State, we welcome your return to the state. Today is a historic day, March 17, 2025, the same March when you did the groundbreaking in Lagos for the refinery, and you are now coming back in the month of March to Ogun State.

“Not only have you chosen to complete Itori, but you have also chosen to come back and develop the biggest port in Nigeria. For this, I thank you.”

Dangote

Dangote

Abiodun emphasized that with the establishment of the Itori cement plant, proposed to produce six million metric tons of cement per annum, and the existing Ibeshe plant, producing 12 million metric tons, cement production in the state would total 18 million metric tons per annum, making it the largest cement producer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

The governor lauded the company for not shirking its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities, just as it is currently constructing the Inter-change-Papalato-Ilaro road, assuring that his administration is ready to work with the company for the good of the state and the nation as a whole.

Alhaji Dangote and his team later led the Governor to the New Cement Plant under construction at Itori.

The team was received by traditional rulers from host communities in Yewaland led by Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo who praised Alhaji ALIKO for His patriotism as displayed in his many investments which have led massive job creation and communities development
The Governor and Alhaji Dangote entourage also inspected the ongoing Papalanto concrete paved road being constructed under the tax Credit scheme of the federal government.

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International

FG Endorses PSI To Prevent Weapons Of Mass Destruction

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FG Endorses PSI To Prevent Weapons Of Mass Destruction

FG endorses PSI to prevent weapons of mass destruction. Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th Anniversary in May 2023.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has conveyed to the United States of America its endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) following sustained engagement between the two states.

The United States welcomes Nigeria’s endorsement and participation in the Initiative and looks forward to working with the Government of Nigeria to advance the counterproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles.  Nigeria is the 116th country to endorse the PSI.

Countries that endorse the PSI share a commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, and related materials to state and non-state actors of concern.

Expanding PSI’s participation worldwide is critical to America’s safety as the Initiative improves individual and collective efforts to develop the capabilities needed to interdict WMD-related transfers that threaten the security of the United States.

PSI’s continued growth through consistent and determined engagement highlights America’s leadership on the world stage.  PSI’s core objective – to prevent the transfer of WMD – reduces the likelihood these weapons will be used, ensuring continued American prosperity.

FG Endorses PSI

FG Endorses PSI

 

Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th Anniversary in May 2023.  States become part of the PSI by publicly endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, making voluntary political commitments to impede and stop shipments of illicit WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern.

PSI-endorsing States also adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.

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Crime

EFCC Arraigns 2 Chinese Nationals, Nigerian For Cyber Crimee In Lagos

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EFCC Arraigns 2 Chinese Nationals, Nigerian For Cyber Crimee In Lagos

EFCC arraigns 2 Chinese nationals, Nigerian for cyber crimee in Lagos. EFCC alleged that they engaged in this foreign exchange without going through the official foreign exchange market authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) on Monday dragged a Nigerian, two Chinese nationals, and their company before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged multibillion-naira cybercrime.

The defendants Huang Haoyu, Friday Audu, An Hongxu and a company, Gentting International Ltd., are standing trial before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a 12-count charge of cybercrime.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendants committed the offences sometime in 2024 in Lagos.

Ms Buhari said the defendants allegedly conspired among themselves to commit the offences with one Dualiang Pan, who is now at large.

She said the defendants allegedly willfully caused to be assessed computer systems organised to destabilise Nigeria’s economic structure.

Ms Buhari also said the defendants allegedly procured Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities.

They were alleged to have procured one Chukwuemeka Okeke to retain $1.2 million in his crypto wallet, which they ought to know forms part of fraudulent activities.

They were alleged to have also procured one Alhassan Garba and Ifesinaci Jacobs to retain $1.3 million in their crypto wallet, being proceeds of crime.

They were also alleged to have retained in the Union Bank account of Gentting International Ltd the sum of N3.4 billion, which also forms part of the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

The prosecutor alleged that they transferred, among others, N106 million and N913 million to Mr Dualiang’s UBA account, which also forms the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

The transfer and several other transfers were said to be made from Gentting Ltd.
Besides, the defendants were said to have illegally negotiated a foreign exchange transaction with one Alhassan Garba to the dollar equivalent of N1.1 billion, N962 million, and other sums.

EFCC alleged that they engaged in this foreign exchange without going through the official foreign exchange market authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Court

Court

All monies are said to have formed part of the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.
She said the offences contravened section 29(2) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2004.

It also contravenes sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act 2015, as well as sections 18(2)(d) and 21(c) of the Money Laundering Act 2021.

The court adjourned the case until March 20 to hear the defendants’ bail application.

The judge ordered the defendants to be remanded in EFCC’s custody pending bail.

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