As preparations intensify for the 2025 Hajj, a faith-based Civil Society Organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has urged state governments and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of appointed Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group highlighted the need for streamlined hajj operations by ensuring that such appointments come with well-defined terms of reference especially during the critical stages of the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
IHR expressed concern over past instances where some Amirul Hajj teams assumed operational control beyond their mandate, causing disruption and confusion during Hajj exercises.
“These teams are supposed to serve as ad-hoc support committees, not override the designated roles of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards,” the statement read.
The CSO acknowledged the symbolic and morale-boosting value of the Amirul Hajj teams, describing them as “the government’s eye” during Hajj.
However, it warned that a lack of clarity in their roles has, in some cases, led to clashes and operational inefficiencies.
“There have been cases where Amirul Hajj or state-appointed delegations hijacked operational processes from the officials of the Pilgrims Boards, giving directives without sufficient understanding of Hajj regulations. Such interference threatens the success of the exercise,” the statement added.IHR emphasized that NAHCON is the only body recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and is therefore solely responsible for implementing Hajj plans and policies. “Allowing individuals unfamiliar with the rules to interfere in critical operations is a recipe for chaos.”
The organization also pointed out that, unlike their counterparts from other countries, Nigerian Amirul Hajj teams rarely engage in field operations such as guiding pilgrims, supporting transportation logistics, or overseeing welfare services in Saudi Arabia.
Despite these concerns, IHR called for mutual cooperation between the States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the appointed government delegations to ensure the well-being and spiritual success of Nigerian pilgrims.
