The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on state governors and the FCT Minister to renovate and upgrade Hajj transit camps across the country in preparation for the 2025 Hajj exercise. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, IHR’s national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, highlighted the deteriorating condition of some transit camps, stressing the need for immediate improvements to ensure comfort and proper facilities for intending pilgrims.
“It is common knowledge that intending pilgrims spend several days at various Hajj camps before their airlift to Saudi Arabia. Information at our disposal indicates that some of these camps need urgent renovation,” Mohammed stated.
Commendations and Recommendations
The group commended the governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, and Sokoto States, as well as the FCT Minister, for their efforts in modernising Hajj transit facilities. It also acknowledged the Osun State government’s promise to build a world-class permanent Hajj transit camp, urging its completion before the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Beyond Pilgrimage: Revenue Generation Potential
IHR noted that in other Hajj-participating countries, education and enlightenment sessions are held in Hajj camps to help pilgrims acclimate to the process before departure. The group further suggested that state governments could repurpose the camps beyond the pilgrimage season by incorporating hotels and event centres, creating sustainable revenue streams for pilgrims’ welfare boards and state authorities.
With the airlift of pilgrims scheduled to begin in April 2025, IHR urged swift action to ensure that all Hajj transit facilities meet international standards before the departure date.
