By Umar Adeleye
Nigerian pilgrims have begun sharing their experiences on the just concluded Hajj 2025, highlighting both moments of spiritual fulfillment and areas in need of improvement.
In separate exclusive interviews with Muslim News Nigeria, the visitors of Allah’s priced House (Ka’abah) spoke candidly about their journey.
I feel elated, excited to make this year’s Hajj: Aderibigbe
Umar Aderibigbe, an IT support specialist and former, Executive Secretary, MPAC Nigeria, expressed happiness about performing the 2025 Hajj, saying it’s something of great joy for him.
“I feel so elated, excited that it is a dream finally coming true. It is a dream I have nurtured for years, alhamdulillah. It’s finally comes to fulfillment,” he said.
“Of course, I was a bit nervous as we were about to begin the Hajj rites being my first. I have been yearning for Hajj for a long time. I made an attempt last year but it didn’t work out but alhamdulillah, I made it this year.”
He however raised some concerns about the cost of the pilgrimage from Nigeria, noting that some of the charges appeared unnecessary.
“I feel like the money is too much. I believe there are some deductions that could be taken out of the Hajj. For example, the BTA should be optional. Some people might not have anything they really want to buy, and that BTA alone is like over ₦800,000.
“Removing it from the Hajj fee might actually break it down. There are some fees I feel are repetitive because I was able to go through the breakdown. I’ve been following the whole atmosphere for a long time,” he said.
The IT expert also emphasised the importance of better enlightenment for pilgrims, particularly on religious obligations.
“I have a lot of expectations from NAHCON. One of the major expectations I have is that the enlightenment should be more elaborate, more proper. I realized while communicating with people here that some don’t even have the proper knowledge of the Hajj rites. Alhamdulillah, my roommates are knowledgeable, and we’ve been sharing ideas. I’ve read a lot of articles, listened to audios, and received guidance from two Imams in my room.
“Still, I believe NAHCON should work more on enlightenment. They’ve done well, but in terms of Ibadah—which is the most significant aspect—they are lagging behind. Even with the Rawdah booking at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, many didn’t know about it. Allah used me as a sabab to book for all my roommates. The booking had to be done online, but many missed out. So, I think NAHCON should focus more on Ibadah-related awareness,” he explained.
On welfare, Aderibigbe acknowledged improvements in Makkah compared to Madinah.
“Yes, it has been impressive—a lot better than Madinah. In Makkah, I think the state directly organised and monitored the food, unlike when NAHCON handled it generally.
“As a Yoruba person, I ate eba, semo, and ogi, but the one I was not comfortable with was the bread—too much bread. Every morning, we had breakfast that consists of bread, at times the combination is awkward such as bread, potato chips and egg.”
He rated the local food provision four out of five maximum obtainable points.
“On a final note, NAHCON has truly done well in terms of welfarism, and their efforts are commendable. However, there is still significant room for improvement when it comes to the facilitation of core acts of Ibādah—which, after all, is the primary purpose of Hajj,” he added.
‘It’s a dream come true’
For Ustadh Muhammadu Soliu Abdul Azeez, Hajj 2025 is a dream come true after years of anticipation. “I am very happy that I could witness this 2025 Hajj because it has been on my mind for a very long time. I came with the assistance of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Honourable Tajudeen Jaiyeola Agoro from Lagos Mainland. But I came with Ogun State because the slots in Lagos were filled up,” he revealed.
Ustadh Abdul Azeez recalled missing a Hajj opportunity 16 years ago. “I’ve been hoping to perform Hajj since then. One of our fathers, Late Imam Lawal Mofolorunsho, gave me a slot 16 years ago, but when we got to board, they told us there was no more space. I couldn’t perform Hajj then, and it has stayed on my mind.”
He praised the infrastructure in Makkah, noting the reliability of utilities. “We have not witnessed power outages like back home. Also, there is always water supply. We’ve never had any complaint regarding electricity or water.”
Ustadh Abdul Azeez also offered suggestions to NAHCON, especially regarding preparations for the Day of Arafat. “They should try to protect and guide us on the necessary things we need to know. Though they have been talking to us, they should speak more directly to our people so they don’t overstep boundaries. Some people are stubborn. They need proper enlightenment to avoid embarrassing situations,” he said.
Like Umar, Ustadh Soliu also criticized the repetitive meal options, particularly the bread. “There are times we’re given bread, boiled egg, and honey. This is clearly not a known local food in Nigeria,” he said.
I am spiritually fulfilled, says female pilgrim
Another pilgrim, a female, couldn’t hide her excitement of performing Hajj for the first time, which she described as a “dream come true” and “quite fulfilling”.
“I have been yearning of performing Hajj since I became a conscious Muslim. Though the money is quite huge, unfortunately the average Nigerian Muslim can’t afford it, unless sponsored. Alhamdulilah Rabbil Aalamin, I was called by Allah! I am spiritually fulfilled,” said the Ogun State pilgrim who didn’t want her name to be mentioned.
While speaking with Muslim News Nigeria in Makkah ahead of the Hajj rites, she commended the Hajj Commission, including Ogun State, adding that there is room for improvement especially in the area of information management and communication.
It is laudable and unregrettable
Another female pilgrim also spoke with Muslim News Nigeria about the feeling of performing Hajj, saying that it’s thankfulness to Allah calling of His servant to earn His forgiveness and mercy, and to have the pilgrims’ prayers answered.
Breaking News: More than 1.6 Million pilgrims have performed Hajj this year 2025/1446..#Hajj #Hajj1446 #Hajj2025 pic.twitter.com/PLeNuR9yoA
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) June 5, 2025
She said it wasn’t her first Hajj, but she has been yearning for another hajj for over one and a half decades.
Speaking on the high cost of Hajj, the pilgrim said, “One may say it is high, but it is due to the frequent inflation on our currency. It is not the case with some other nationals, especially in Madinah and Makkah. Most of the prices of items are not outrageous… One (1) Riyal coin can buy one edible item.
She described the experience as worthwhile adding that with recourse to Ogun State Pilgrims Board, it is far-reaching from the point of registration to medical screening, continuous Hajj orientation, pilgrims welfare, prompt medical treatment, hospitality, media engagement, and so on).
The pilgrim tasked NAHCON on creating better awareness around the Nusuk app, saying it stands to benefit the pilgrims.
“The general information about the Nusuk App (i.e., online registration for visiting the Prophet’s Tomb in Madinah) should be communicated intensely across all states of the federation before pilgrims leave Nigeria, so that the Hujjaj can benefit from the blessings that Allah has granted through it.
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