 |
| Photo: Media Facebook |
Governor Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations in Borno State
As the 2025 Hajj approaches, the unwavering commitment of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to supporting the success of the pilgrimage speaks volumes about his leadership and dedication to the welfare of his people.
Here is the full news
As preparations begin in earnest for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his strong commitment to ensuring the success of the upcoming Hajj operations. This pledge was made on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and other senior officials at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum's pledge comes at a critical juncture, as the 2025 Hajj promises to be an important event for Nigeria's Muslim community, particularly for Borno, which has consistently been one of the leading states in Hajj operations in the country. The governor's unwavering support for the Hajj exercise reflects his deep commitment to the welfare of the state’s Muslim population and his recognition of the profound spiritual and cultural significance of the pilgrimage.
In his address, Governor Zulum assured Professor Usman and the NAHCON team of his government’s full cooperation in ensuring that all necessary steps are taken for a smooth and successful Hajj in 2025. “As the Governor of Borno State, I will do everything humanly possible and exercise the political will to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise. Borno is among the leading states committed to Hajj activities in the country,” he declared with a firm conviction that resonates with the government’s dedication to Hajj operations.
Governor Zulum’s statement was more than just a political gesture; it reflected a personal commitment to Borno’s pilgrims, ensuring that the state’s role in the larger Hajj process remains effective, transparent, and efficient. His administration is well-aware of the logistical challenges and the importance of meticulous planning to ensure the comfort and safety of all pilgrims.
 |
| Photo: Media Facebook |
During the meeting, the governor congratulated Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman on his recent appointment as the Chairman of NAHCON, acknowledging the key role that the commission plays in the success of the Hajj operations. In his response, Professor Usman expressed gratitude for Governor Zulum’s leadership and reassured him of the commission’s readiness to work collaboratively with the Borno State government and other stakeholders to make the 2025 Hajj a resounding success.
Governor Zulum also took the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the 2024 Hajj operations. He praised the success of the previous pilgrimage, particularly highlighting the efficient airlifting of Borno State’s pilgrims, the timely arrival, and the quality accommodation provided in the Holy Land. These positive experiences had helped to establish Borno as a model state for Hajj operations in Nigeria.
However, the governor also addressed certain concerns that had arisen during the 2024 Hajj, specifically regarding accommodation for pilgrims in Mina and Arafah. These locations are crucial to the pilgrimage, and the governor urged NAHCON to take steps to resolve any outstanding issues related to the provision of adequate facilities for pilgrims and VIPs. The governor emphasized the importance of ensuring that the spiritual experience of the Hajj is not marred by logistical challenges.
Governor Zulum’s call for improvement was rooted in his desire to enhance the overall experience for Borno pilgrims, ensuring that they are comfortable and well-catered for throughout the pilgrimage journey. This attention to detail is crucial, especially in an exercise as large and complex as the Hajj, which involves thousands of Nigerians traveling to Mecca.
 |
| Photo: Media Facebook |
Another critical aspect discussed during the meeting was the issue of Hajj fares, which is often a point of contention for many Nigerians. Governor Zulum voiced his concerns about the rising cost of the pilgrimage, particularly in light of the fluctuating exchange rates. The governor emphasized the need for a realistic benchmark to be established for the 2025 Hajj fares, a proposal that would help pilgrims and state boards better plan for the financial implications of the journey.
“The transition in the abolishment of the foreign exchange regime has significantly impacted the 2024 Hajj. However, we are optimistic that the situation will not repeat itself in the next pilgrimage,” the governor remarked, showing his confidence that the lessons learned from the previous year will lead to better financial planning and execution for 2025.
Governor Zulum’s suggestions underscored the broader challenges faced by Nigerians, especially in the context of global financial volatility and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on essential services. His advice to NAHCON to provide preliminary figures for the 2025 Hajj fares will allow state pilgrimage boards, like the one in Borno, to begin planning and making arrangements in advance, giving families enough time to save and prepare for the cost.
In his address, Governor Zulum also raised the issue of potential sabotage, warning against any actions that could undermine the success of the 2025 Hajj exercise. The governor highlighted that the pilgrimage process is not just about logistics but also about ensuring integrity and transparency at every level of the operation.
He urged all involved parties—both in the public and private sectors—to avoid any act of malfeasance that could hinder the smooth operation of the Hajj and the safe arrival of Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca. His call for vigilance and adherence to ethical practices was a reminder of the importance of maintaining trust between the pilgrims and the organizations responsible for facilitating the Hajj.
Governor Zulum’s strong stance on ensuring a sabotage-free operation highlighted his leadership style—one that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
NAHCON’s Commitment to Reform
response, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of NAHCON, assured Governor Zulum that the commission is fully committed to ensuring that the 2025 Hajj will be smooth, well-organized, and free from the challenges faced in previous years. He outlined the steps that NAHCON has already taken to reform Hajj operations in the country, focusing on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Professor Usman revealed that the commission has established several committees to oversee various aspects of the Hajj process, including the selection of airlines, the provision of food and feeding arrangements for pilgrims, and securing adequate accommodation for all pilgrims in the Holy Land. These measures aim to streamline operations and ensure that the needs of the pilgrims are met in a timely and effective manner.
One of the major steps being taken to reduce the cost of the Hajj is a proposal to conduct financial transactions in Naira instead of the traditional U.S. dollars. This move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of the pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims, as the Nigerian Naira has suffered from depreciation against major currencies like the dollar in recent years.
Professor Usman assured Governor Zulum that NAHCON is in ongoing discussions with service providers and stakeholders to implement this plan, which would also offer more convenience to Nigerian pilgrims. If successful, this move will not only make the pilgrimage more affordable but also help stabilize the financial operations of the Hajj process.
The NAHCON delegation, which included several National Commissioners and senior management staff, pledged to work closely with the Borno State government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2025 Hajj is a success. This collaborative approach between the state and national governments, as well as other partners, will be crucial in overcoming any challenges that may arise as preparations continue.
Governor Zulum’s cooperation with NAHCON is part of a broader effort to ensure that Borno State remains a leader in Hajj operations, helping to facilitate a seamless and meaningful pilgrimage experience for the state’s Muslim community.
