Vice President Shettima steps in to address Hajj 2025 visa issues
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community, that no intending pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj due to visa-related issues. He emphasized that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Shettima made this assurance after meeting with the management and board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. The meeting was called in response to concerns that a contractual dispute with the Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, could potentially lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Shettima said, “We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly.”
READ ALSO: NAHCON reveals 2025 Hajj fare structure
The Vice President gave firm instructions to the leadership of NAHCON, urging them to take all necessary actions to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims. He added, “NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance. Moving forward, we must set the right standards, go in the right direction, and ensure a hitch-free Hajj.”
Responding to concerns about the potential contract cancellation with the Saudi-based company, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the issue would not affect the pilgrimage. “There is no cause for alarm. No registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman stated. He also dismissed claims by the Forum of States Pilgrim Welfare Agencies that the contract dispute could derail the pilgrimage.
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