Dr Modibbo Umar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh, has warned that pilgrims attempting to perform the 2025 Hajj without a permit risk a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals, deportation, and a ten-year ban from entering the Kingdom.
Umar issued the warning during the 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah on Monday.
He recalled that during the 2024 Hajj, the fine for performing the pilgrimage without a valid permit was 50,000 Riyals, but that amount has now been doubled, with stricter enforcement measures.
“We strongly advise our pilgrims to be law-abiding and adhere strictly to the regulations of our hosts, the Saudi authorities,” Umar stated.
“This year, Saudi officials have clearly signalled zero tolerance for unauthorised Hajj. The fine has increased from 50,000 to 100,000 Riyals, and violators face deportation and a ten-year entry ban.
“Please ensure this information is shared with all pilgrims,” he added.
Umar also encouraged pilgrims to use the sacred period to pray for Nigeria and the global Muslim community.
“We call on our pilgrims to pray for our nation and for Muslims worldwide. May we leave behind a better world for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Also Read: 2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia Deport Sheikh Gumi Amid Political Concerns
In his address, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, emphasised that the objective of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ Meeting was to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive the quality of services they have paid for.
“As stakeholders, our role is one of service. The pilgrims are the reason we are here. Regardless of whether you represent a state board, service provider, medical team, security, media, or NAHCON itself, your involvement in Hajj operations is a contract to serve,” he said.
Saleh underscored the importance of collaboration and urged all involved to work together to prioritise the welfare of the pilgrims.
“No individual can achieve success alone. We must listen, support one another, and place the pilgrims’ needs at the forefront. These pilgrims are our guests, and more importantly, they are guests of Allah,” he said.
Also speaking, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofi Elegushi, said the Pre-Arafat meeting served to brief stakeholders on preparations and logistics for the 2025 Hajj rites.
“It has become customary to hold this meeting a few days before Arafat and the movement to Mina, to update stakeholders on progress and expectations for the remaining stages of the Hajj.
“It is an opportunity for information-sharing, as well as a platform for raising questions and resolving outstanding issues,” he said.
