KANO – Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Hajj has commended the success of the 2025 Hajj exercise while recommending measures to improve the welfare and safety of future pilgrims.
Presenting its report during plenary on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Aliyu Daneji, said Kano recorded 3,346 pilgrims out of the 41,668 Nigerians that performed the spiritual exercise.
He explained that the pilgrimage, which was held between May 13 and July 2, was largely smooth and well coordinated despite challenges of overcrowding, high costs of accommodation, flight delays, and poor communication access for pilgrims.
Daneji said only two Kano pilgrims died during the exercise, while one remained unaccounted for, describing the overall record as relatively low compared to previous years.
“We commend the Kano State Government for providing medical teams, preachers, environmental officers, media, and tribunal staff to support the pilgrims.
“The orientation programmes aired on radio and television ensured that pilgrims were well-prepared for the rites.
“The introduction of the NUSUK card by Saudi authorities helped in identifying pilgrims, while Kano pilgrims exhibited exemplary behaviour as no case was reported before the Hajj tribunal,” he said.
The committee, however, highlighted challenges such as overcrowding at Mina camps, heat-related illnesses, delay in opening clinics in Saudi Arabia, and lack of choice in airline selection.
It also called for new vehicles to aid Hajj operations, improved coordination with airlines to avoid delays, subsidised international calls for pilgrims, and the reinstatement of federal government subsidy to cushion economic hardships.
The report commended Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf for supporting Kano pilgrims, adding that his cash gift of 250 Riyals to each pilgrim was well received.
It also commended the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Muharaz, for staying in the same accommodation with pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, describing his gesture as a mark of humility and solidarity.
Daneji assured that the Assembly would work with the state Pilgrims Welfare Board and national Hajj authorities to ensure a shorter 30-day stay for Nigerian pilgrims in future exercises.(NAN)(
