Saudi Arabia, Nigeria: Nigerian pilgrims have joined hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Mina, Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The movement to Mina signals the start of the five-day religious journey, one of the central pillars of Islam.
This year, over 1.47 million international pilgrims are participating in the Hajj alongside hundreds of thousands of domestic worshippers, with total attendance projected to reach approximately 1.8 million.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had planned to airlift 64,188 pilgrims—Africa’s largest national quota. However, logistical challenges meant that just over 30,000 Nigerian pilgrims were successfully transported to the Kingdom for the 2025 Hajj.
The shortfall has been attributed to administrative delays, late registrations, and missed visa documentation deadlines. A total of 2,717 intending pilgrims were unable to travel after failing to obtain their visas. NAHCON expressed regret over the missed opportunity and emphasized the need for improved coordination to prevent future occurrences.
With the onset of the main rites, Nigerian pilgrims were urged to take precautionary health measures, particularly due to the soaring temperatures recorded in Makkah and surrounding areas.
Speaking from Mina, returning pilgrim Sadika Rabiu reflected on her experience. “This feels like a completely new phase and experience,” she said. “Hajj brings a different spiritual feeling each time. May Allah accept it from all of us.”
Another pilgrim noted the physical demands of the journey: “It’s not just about spirituality; Hajj also tests your endurance. It’s a rigorous journey, but I’m fully prepared.”
Saudi authorities have deployed more than 40,000 security personnel across key Hajj sites, including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, to ensure safety and order.
The pilgrimage continues with the standing at Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, regarded as the pinnacle of Hajj. Pilgrims will then proceed to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, coinciding with Eid al-Adha celebrations worldwide.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ June 4,2025
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