Abuja: Dr Modibbo Umar, Charge De Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh, has announced that pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj without a permit will face a 100,000 riyals fine, a 10-year ban, and deportation. Umar made this statement during the Hajj 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting, organized by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the envoy reminded attendees that during the 2024 Hajj, the fine for performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals. He urged Nigerian pilgrims to adhere to the rules and regulations set by their hosts. Umar emphasized the importance of being law-abiding and informed the attendees about the stricter measures implemented by Saudi authorities for the upcoming Hajj.
The Charge De Affaires also encouraged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for their country, hoping for a better future for the next generations. He called on pilgrims to use the holy sessions of the Hajj to pray for Nigeria and Muslims worldwide.
In his remarks, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, Chairman of NAHCON, highlighted the goal of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting, which is to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive the benefits and services they deserve. Saleh emphasized the role of stakeholders as servants to the pilgrims, underscoring the importance of teamwork and prioritizing the needs of the pilgrims.
Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner of Operations at NAHCON, explained the purpose of the Pre-Arafat meeting was to update stakeholders on arrangements for the 2025 Hajj rites. He described it as a platform for disseminating information and addressing issues faced by stakeholders during the Hajj process.