Starting from the 2025 Hajj, the Saudi Companies of Pilgrims’ Establishments, known as Mu’assasa, will assume responsibility for the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in both Makkah and Madinah, similar to the current practices in Masha’ir (Muna, Arafah and Muzdalifah).
According to an issued statement yesterday by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, this new initiative was conveyed to the various state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards at a meeting held between NAHCON and the Executive Secretaries of the State Boards in Abuja during the week, as part of preparations for next year’s Hajj operations.
The statement said the crucial meeting was conveyed with a view to making significant decisions in anticipation of next year’s Hajj, noting that the policy would affect all countries participating in the 2025 Hajj.
She stated that the information was relayed to chairmen of Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (MPWB) on Monday, September 23, 2024 during a crucial meeting with NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operation, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi.
The NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations provided updates on recent developments from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including the announcement of the new initiative in which the Mu’assasa taking responsibility for pilgrims’ feeding and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
Elegushi, during the meeting reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to align with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar and emphasised the need for cooperation among all stakeholders. He praised the State Executive Secretaries for their pro-active approach in announcing the minimum Hajj deposits, and encouraged them to maintain this momentum.
He also provided an update on the refunds from the 2024 Hajj, which are still awaiting resolution from the Saudi authorities.
