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

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.

Ex-Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Declines El-Rufai’s Invitation To SDP

Ex-Jigawa governor Sule Lamido declines El-Rufai’s invitation to SDP. Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has turned down an invitation from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Lamido dismissed the invitation as an insult, emphasizing that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) played a key role in shaping El-Rufai’s political career.

“The PDP, which we built, is the foundation of El-Rufai’s political journey. You cannot persuade us to abandon it,” Lamido stated.

He also criticized El-Rufai’s past remarks about Nigerian politicians, recalling that El-Rufai once claimed there were no true elders in politics, yet was now inviting them to join the SDP.

Furthermore, Lamido questioned El-Rufai’s decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP, as well as his leadership approach. Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Lamido maintained that the party had given him no reason to defect.

Sule Lamido

Coretvnews recalls that El-Rufai recently exited the ruling APC and, in an interview with BBC Hausa, urged opposition leaders to join the SDP. While he did not mention Lamido by name, he extended the invitation to prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

MTN Nigeria’s Revenue Surges By 35.6% In March After Tariff Adjustments

MTN Nigeria’s revenue surges by 35.6% in March after tariff adjustments. MTN Nigeria’s service revenue surged by 35.6% in March following tariff adjustments implemented in February.

A report by its group office in South Africa on Monday, also said expectations for further growth in 2025 are expected from the country following the tariff adjustments.

This is as the MTN Group reported a 69% slump in full-year earnings, due to devaluation of the Nigerian naira and operational challenges in Sudan.

It reported headline earnings per share (HEPS) – one of the main profit measures in the country – fell to 98 cents in the year to December 31, down from 315 cents in 2023.

“Despite challenges including currency depreciation in Nigeria, elevated inflation, and ongoing conflict in Sudan,” MTN Group’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita expressed optimism about the future.

He noted signs of easing inflation, reduced forex volatility—particularly for the naira—and the positive impact of tariff adjustments in Nigeria. “In Nigeria, we renegotiated tower lease contracts, which allow MTN Nigeria to better manage adverse macroeconomic impacts on the business.

MTN Nigeria

“MTN Group is well positioned to capture the exciting opportunities in our markets and deliver on our medium-term objectives to sustain growth, create shared value in nation-states and communities, and unlock value for our stakeholders,” Mupita stated.

Nigeria has suffered chronic dollar shortages that have forced authorities to devalue the naira as part of the government’s measures to stabilise the currency and attract investment.

Coupled with high inflation and interest rates, this has driven up costs and widened MTN Nigeria’s pretax loss by more than 200% to 550.3 billion naira ($355.76 million).