2025 Hajj: Saudi Firm Makes U-Turn, Signs Amended Contract With NAHCON

Mashariq Al Dhabia, a Saudi-based company, has signed an amended contract with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide services for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.

Earlier, the company had threatened legal action against NAHCON for alleged breaches of the original contract concerning services at Masha’ir for Nigerian pilgrims. However, in an unexpected development, a delegation from Mashariq Al Dhabia, led by its chairman, Muhammad Hassan, visited the NAHCON head office in Abuja on Saturday evening, February 22, to sign the revised contract.

At the signing ceremony, the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Seleh Usman, explained that the amendment was necessary to address certain grey areas in the original agreement and ensure a smooth execution of the Hajj operations.

“We welcomed the head of the delegation from Mashariq Al Dhabia to sign this amendment to the contract. This change allows us to clear up any issues with the original agreement. Both parties aim for a successful and smooth operation to provide excellent service to our Nigerian pilgrims,” said Prof. Usman.

He reassured Nigerian pilgrims that all arrangements for the 2025 Hajj had been finalized and denied rumors of any contract cancellations. “We have concluded all arrangements for this year’s Hajj operations. There has been no cancellation of any contracts, and any contrary claims are not from the commission.”

In his remarks, Muhammad Hassan, Chairman of Mashariq Al Dhabia, expressed gratitude to NAHCON for resolving the issue and committed to delivering excellent services to Nigerian pilgrims. “We pray that Allah blesses this deal. We thank the commission, and Insha-Allah, you will witness our services. We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best possible service,” he said.