By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. NAHCON Chairman Prof. Usman Saleh praises stakeholders for successful 2025 Hajj during post-Arafat meeting in Makkah; announces return flights begin June 13, to span three weeks.

2. Jigawa Pilgrims DG, Ahmed Labbo, receives Award for Excellence in Leadership from Mashariq Aldahabiya in Makkah for his ethical, efficient Hajj operations.

3. NAHCON flags maternal, mental health concerns during Hajj: 3 miscarriages, 1 birth, 9 deaths, and 15 psychiatric cases recorded among Nigerian pilgrims.

4. 420,070 digital certificates of appreciation issued to Hajj workers via Tawakkalna, recognising participants’ efforts during 1446H operations.

5. 10 Malaysian pilgrims confirmed dead during 2025 Hajj, mostly from heart-related complications. Latest: Abdul Malik Sudin passed on June 8 after Wukuf.

6. 420,000+ workers, including 34,540 volunteers, mobilised to serve 1.67 million pilgrims during 2025 Hajj; Mecca Route eased travel for 314,000 pilgrims.

7. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman laud Hajj success, praising coordination, security, and comfort for pilgrims.

8. UAE to commence registration for Hajj 2026 in September.

9. Saudi Arabia lifts post-Hajj visa ban for 14 countries including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia; tourist, Umrah, and visit visas resume.

10. First post-Hajj flight of Afghan pilgrims arrives in Kabul from Jeddah, marking end of spiritual journey.

11. Over 2.5 million Qurans gifted to pilgrims as farewell gift from King Salman; printed by King Fahd Complex with translations in multiple languages.

12. Saudi Hajj Ministry mandates documentation of Umrah housing contracts on Nusuk Masarplatform; required for Umrah visa issuance.

13. Fun fact: In 2023, for the first time in 10 years, all 95,000 slots were filled and airlifted successfully, both outbound and inbound in just 28 days

14. Did you know?: NAHCON has an official Situation Room during Hajj operations to track movements, emergencies, and daily activities of Nigerian pilgrims.

15. Fun fact: NAHCON sponsors media teams and religious scholars to accompany pilgrims and provide both coverage and spiritual guidance.

16. Fun fact: In 2024, NAHCON implemented digital wristbands and improved tracking ID cards to help locate and identify lost or missing pilgrims quickly.

17. Fun fact: NAHCON operates Nigerian Hajj clinics in Saudi Arabia that serve not only Nigerian pilgrims but also help other West African nationals.

18. Did you know? NAHCON sets up pre-Hajj training and enlightenment programsin collaboration with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to educate pilgrims on rites and etiquette.