Lawmakers in northern Nigeria have commended the management of the 2025 Hajj exercise, while urging both state and federal authorities to address logistical and welfare challenges that continue to affect Nigerian pilgrims.
The Kano State House of Assembly’s Committee on Hajj, which presented its report on Tuesday, said 3,346 pilgrims from Kano joined the 41,668 Nigerians who performed this year’s pilgrimage. Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Daneji described the operation as well coordinated, crediting state support teams and orientation campaigns, but admitted difficulties persisted, including overcrowding in Mina camps, delayed flights, and limited access to communication services.
Two Kano pilgrims died during the exercise and one remains unaccounted for, figures Daneji described as comparatively low.
The committee praised Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for his support, including a 250-riyal cash gift to pilgrims, and applauded the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Muharaz, for staying in the same accommodation with pilgrims in Saudi Arabia – a gesture described as “humility and solidarity.”
Recommendations included acquiring new vehicles for Hajj operations, ensuring earlier opening of clinics in Saudi Arabia, improved coordination with airlines, subsidised international calls, and reinstatement of federal subsidies to reduce costs.
Daneji said the Assembly would work with the Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board and national Hajj bodies to shorten future stays to 30 days, stressing the need for reforms to maintain pilgrims’ comfort and safety.
