By Sakina Ahmed
Tension is rising among Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as many remain without their “Nusuk” permits an essential authorization required to perform core rites of the Hajj.
With the Day of Arafat fast approaching, officials are warning that unresolved permit issues could prevent hundreds from fulfilling a key part of their religious obligation.
The concern was raised during a pre-Arafat review meeting held Monday in Makkah, where Mallam Abubakar Salihu, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Board, described the situation as the most urgent challenge currently facing the Nigerian contingent.
“If you have no Nusuk, you are simply not a pilgrim,” Salihu said, calling for immediate intervention from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Nigerian Charge d’Affaires, and the Consulate General in Saudi Arabia. “We have less than 24 hours to sort out the issues of Nusuk.”
The “Nusuk” permit, issued by Saudi authorities, is required to access designated sites and perform specific Hajj rituals. Without it, pilgrims are effectively barred from participating in one of Islam’s most sacred acts of worship.
In addition to the permit crisis, logistical challenges in Madina were also raised, including a shortage of available bed space. Some pilgrims reportedly arrived to find no accommodation assigned to them. Salihu acknowledged improvements in service delivery, stating that the situation in Madina had become “appreciably excellent” and that conditions in Makkah remained stable.
Speaking to journalists regarding the “Nusuk” challenges in Makkah,
the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, expressed optimism that the issue will be resolved and all pilgrims will perform their Hajj rituals without hindrance.
“Efforts are ongoing to secure “Nusuk” cards for a few that don’t have it and for some they have to download it on their phones and use the soft copy” He stated. Assuring all Pilgrims will have their “Nusuk” before moving to Masha’ir.
With the pivotal Arafat day just hours away, the clock is ticking for Nigerian authorities to resolve the documentation crisis and ensure that every pilgrim is able to complete the sacred journey they went for.
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