Hadiza's Blog

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  In a bid to enhance global understanding of Islamic heritage and scientific achievements, Saudi authorities hosted 84 journalists on a guided tour of Makkah’s most prominent museums. The tour, organized by the Saudi General Authority of Media Regulation in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, featured a curated visit to three key museums: the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, the Clock Tower Museum, and the Museum of the Holy Kaaba. Mohammed Qamerein, a tour guide at the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography who led the journalists through various sections of the museum, said the initiative aimed to provide them with firsthand insight into Islam’s spiritual, historical, and scientific legacy. Qamerein said, sharing the knowledge with pilgrims is essential, as learning about the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a fundamental aspect of understanding Islam. He said the museum is divided into var...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has airlifted 32,549 Nigerian pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total number of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The milestone was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9, 2025. According to the Commission, several states, including Adamawa and Plateau, have already concluded their airlift operations. States with only one flight remaining—such as Bauchi and Gombe, with 30 pilgrims each—are scheduled to complete their departures today. Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to finalize their airlift operations today. In Kwara State, 137 pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted will join a Max Air flight departing from Kano this afternoon. Similarly, intending pilgrims from Benue will travel alongside those from the South-South region in a single, joint flight scheduled for May 23. This marks the...

  Mount Uhud: Photo/Hadiza Abdulrahman As pilgrims continue their spiritual journey in the holy city of Madinah, one of the most profound experiences has been the  Ziyara , a spiritual tour of sacred and historical Islamic landmarks. Ziyara is a significant part of the pilgrimage experience in Madinah offering pilgrims the opportunity to connect with the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad and reflect on the early foundations of Islam Among the key sites visited was  Quba Mosque , recognized as the first mosque built by the Prophet and his companions upon his arrival in Madinah. Quba Mosque Pilgrims also stopped at  Masjid al-Qiblatain , the mosque where the divine instruction to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah was revealed. Masjid al-Qiblatain: Photo/Hadiza Abdulrahman The journey extended to the outskirts of the city, where   Mount Uhud   stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and resilience. It was the site of the histori...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stepped up its oversight of the daily feeding of Nigerian pilgrims in Medina, implementing strict monitoring procedures to ensure food quality, hygiene, and cultural authenticity. The commission’s Medina Feeding Committee, led by Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, conducts routine inspections of the seven contracted catering facilities, ensuring strict oversight as the large-scale feeding operation continues. According to the NAHCON each facility is assessed against stringent benchmarks, including sanitation, functionality of cooking equipment, and the use of Nigerian personnel. This requirement not only guarantees the authenticity of Nigerian meals but also creates temporary employment opportunities for nationals during the Hajj. The Inspections go further to verify the nutritional quality of food ingredients. Committee members check packaging labels, expiration dates, and enforce a strict ban on artificial ad...

  Photo: NAHCON By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The inaugural group of 1,874 Nigerian pilgrims have begun their journey from Madinah to Makkah for the 2025 Hajj, marking a key milestone in Nigeria’s participation in this year’s pilgrimage. The pilgrims, who hail from Imo, Bauchi, Kebbi, Osun, and Kogi States, spent four days in Madinah before setting out on the sacred journey to Makkah. The pilgrims are expected to stop at Miqat Dhul Hulaifa to enter the state of  ihram , a spiritual condition of ritual purity that signifies their formal intention to perform Hajj. Upon arrival in Makkah, the pilgrims are expected to observe  Umrah , the lesser pilgrimage that precedes the core rites of Hajj. According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), officials are coordinating logistics to ensure a seamless transition and have commenced the distribution of Nusuk cards, the mandatory identification that grants pilgrims access to Makkah and key holy sites. NAHCON has so far ...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  Pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj from all countries, including Nigeria, are now required to possess a  Nusuk  card, according to regulations by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The  Nusuk  card, which contains essential personal details of each pilgrim, is intended to facilitate easy identification and smooth access to holy sites in Makkah, Madinah, and Masha’ir. Suwaiba Ahmed, Information Officer at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), while speaking on the development, said the move was part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance security and improve the overall Hajj experience for pilgrims. She stressed that NAHCON’s Committee on Passport Management Control in Madinah was working tirelessly to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive their  Nusuk  cards promptly. To support this effort, Dr Aliyu Abdulmumin Abdulhameed, the committee’s head in Madinah, appealed to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to submit th...

 By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned accommodation providers and caterers contracted for the 2025 Hajj exercise that it will not hesitate to sanction any firm that fails to meet the required standards. Speaking during a readiness assessment meeting at the commission’s Makkah office, NAHCON’s Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, said the Commission would not tolerate services that fall below international best practices. He emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that service providers must justify the payments made by Nigerian pilgrims for accommodation and feeding. Responding on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Abdul Qadir assured the commission of their commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable stay for Nigerian pilgrims. He said professionals and experienced personnel had been recruited to handle accommodation and catering services in Makkah. The meeting was convened to evaluate the level of preparedness of...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has so far transported 19% of Nigerian pilgrims within three days of the commencement of the 2025 Hajj airlift, marking significant progress in this year’s operations. The figure represents a remarkable improvement over 2024, when only 9% were airlifted during the same period. This year’s exercise has benefited from stronger coordination among airlines and State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, with several states already completing their airlift phases. Air Peace concluded the transportation of Kogi State pilgrims, airlifting 559 out of the 564 scheduled, while Max Air successfully conveyed 1,083 pilgrims from Oyo State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Imo and Abia States have also wrapped up their inaugural flights, although a few ‘no-show’ pilgrims remain. These individuals will be accommodated in mop-up flights later in the exercise,” said Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publicatio...