Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER – In a significant development, Saudi-based company Mashariq Al Dhabia has reversed its stance and signed an amended contract with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide services for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj exercise. This comes after a period of uncertainty and tension regarding alleged violations of the original agreement.
Earlier this year, Mashariq Al Dhabia had threatened legal action against NAHCON, accusing the commission of breaching the terms of the initial contract related to the provision of services at Masha’ir, the holy sites where pilgrims engage in key rituals during the Hajj. However, the situation has now taken a positive turn, with both parties agreeing to revise the terms and renew their collaboration.
The amended contract was officially signed on the evening of February 22, 2025, at the Hajj House in Abuja. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both sides, including the chairman of Mashariq Al Dhabia, Muhammad Hassan, and the chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Seleh Usman.
Speaking after the signing, Prof. Usman explained that the amendment was vital to clarify certain grey areas in the original agreement. He emphasized that the goal was to ensure smooth operations and the provision of high-quality services for Nigerian pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj.
“Today, we welcomed the head of the delegation from Mashariq Al Dhabia, one of the service providers, to sign a contract to serve our Nigerian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj. The amendments to the original contract were necessary to address any issues and make sure that everything is in place for a successful pilgrimage,” Prof. Usman said.
He also assured the public that there would be no disruption to the 2025 Hajj operations, dismissing any rumors or speculations about contract cancellations. "I would like to take this opportunity to assure all intending Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj that the commission has concluded all arrangements to conduct smooth and successful Hajj operations, by the grace of Allah,” he said, further confirming that no contracts had been canceled.
Muhammad Hassan, chairman of Mashariq Al Dhabia, expressed his gratitude to NAHCON for their cooperation and emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering excellent services to Nigerian pilgrims. "We pray that Allah grants us the wisdom to make this deal a blessed one. 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," Hassan stated.
The successful signing of the amended contract has now set the stage for a seamless Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims in 2025, with both NAHCON and Mashariq Al Dhabia working together toward a common goal of ensuring the best possible experience for pilgrims traveling to the holy sites.
