Saudi Arabia on Monday announced the successful and peaceful conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage for the Islamic year 1446, with over 1.67 million pilgrims performing the sacred rites. The announcement was made by the Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, who praised the Kingdom’s leadership for ensuring the event was free of any major health, security, …

The Federal Government may spend about N23 billion to refund 2,717 intending pilgrims who were denied visas by Saudi authorities due to late registrations, Saturday PUNCH has gathered. On 12 February 2025, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced that it had successfully secured accommodation in Mashair, the sacred sites in Makkah, for 52,000 intending pilgrims ahead of the …

Saudi authorities have asked pilgrims performing the hajj to remain in their tents for several hours during the high point of this week’s pilgrimage, citing high temperatures. According to a report in Saudi media, Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah has requested that pilgrims refrain from leaving their tents between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Thursday. The ‘Day of Arafat’ traditionally …

Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has completed the airlift of pilgrims from the state to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 pilgrimage. A total of 3,035 pilgrims were airlifted in seven flights. A statement from the board by its information officer, Jibril Kodo, said pilgrims in the last flight arrived Madina early yesterday. He said they would observe …

The Gombe State Executive Council on Wednesday approved $481,000 for 969 intending 2025 pilgrims over inability to utilise Automated Teller Machines (ATM) Briefing journalists at the council chamber shortly after the 46th meeting presided by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning Muhammad Magaji, said, ‘We will use part of our US dollar deposit to pay the basic …

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has started vaccination for intending pilgrims across the state. This initiative is part of the ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj, which aims to prioritise the health and safety of the pilgrims. Speaking while flagging off the exercise on Sunday at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Hadejia, the board’s Director General, Umar Labbo, reaffirmed …

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards have agreed to commence the 2025 Hajj airlift on 9 May 2025, with the final outbound flight expected to depart by 24 May. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Director, Information and Publications for the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara. …

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa,has urged intending pilgrims from the state to make careful and responsible use of the facilities provided to them in Saudi Arabia. He made this appeal during a supervisory visit to various Hajj Induction Course Centers across the state. In a statement made available to newsmen by …

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa, has reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to facilitate the visa process for pilgrims in the state. Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa made this statement shortly after a management meeting in his office. Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u added that the visa process has officially kick off 19 February 2025. He …

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) has announced the disbursement of approximately N270 million as refunds for services not rendered during the 2024 Hajj exercise. Each pilgrim will receive N61,000, equivalent to 150 Riyals. To ensure a smooth process, the board has established a committee to oversee the distribution. Beneficiaries are required to present proper identification, including evidence of …