Latest News
Nigeria Appoints Two Service Providers for 2026 Hajj, Strengthens Pilgrimage Ties
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has signed contracts with two companies, Mashariq Dhahabiyya and Dalel-Al-Mualeem, to serve as official providers for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision marks a key step in Nigeria’s preparations for the annual pilgrimage, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants from across the country. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey at least once in their lifetime.
The announcement came as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agency pledged closer cooperation to ensure smooth travel logistics. Officials said the partnership will improve facilities, ease passenger movements, and address challenges that Nigerian pilgrims have faced in previous years.
NAHCON Chairman Malam Jalal Arabi said the commission carefully selected the two companies after reviewing their records of service delivery. “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best possible care, from accommodation to transportation, throughout their spiritual journey,” Arabi said.
The two service providers will be responsible for handling accommodation, feeding, local transport, and other welfare arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims once they arrive in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from Nigeria make up one of the largest contingents each year, and the contracts are seen as critical to avoiding overcrowding and service breakdowns.
The Kaduna State agency, which oversees the welfare of pilgrims from the state, said it has been working with FAAN to strengthen airport facilities, particularly in Kaduna and other designated departure points. “We want to make the journey stress-free and dignified for our pilgrims. That requires planning, coordination, and strong partnerships,” said Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, executive secretary of the agency.
In past years, Nigerian pilgrims have faced difficulties ranging from delayed flights to inadequate lodging and limited access to medical care. Authorities said they are determined to reduce such complaints by engaging more reliable providers and tightening oversight.
FAAN officials said they are increasing security checks, upgrading passenger lounges, and deploying more staff to handle peak travel periods during Hajj season. The authority has also promised to work with airlines to minimize flight delays, a major concern for many pilgrims.
The 2026 Hajj is expected to see higher global attendance, as Saudi Arabia continues expanding facilities in Mecca and Medina to accommodate more worshippers. Nigeria, with Africa’s largest Muslim population, traditionally sends more than 70,000 pilgrims each year.
Observers say the new contracts signal a more proactive approach by NAHCON, which has often been criticized for slow responses to pilgrims’ complaints. By securing agreements early and building local partnerships, the commission hopes to assure pilgrims and their families that services will improve.
Religious leaders in Nigeria have welcomed the move, urging the government to maintain strict supervision. “Hajj is not only a journey of faith, it is also a test of management. We must continue to put systems in place that respect the dignity of our pilgrims,” said Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, an Islamic scholar in Kano.
The commission said it will continue consultations with state agencies, airlines, and Saudi authorities in the coming months. Training sessions for Hajj officials and guides are also planned to prepare for the influx of pilgrims in 2026.
For millions of Nigerian Muslims, the Hajj remains one of the most important moments of their lives. With new service contracts and stronger institutional ties, authorities say they are determined to make the 2026 pilgrimage safer, smoother, and more fulfilling than in years past.
According to Nivo News, the Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has clarified that the revocation of his bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was solely linked to his presence at a political event in Kebbi State, and not due to any alleged breach of bail conditions....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement issued on Thursday, Malami’s Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Mohammed Doka, dismissed reports claiming the former AGF failed to comply with his bail terms. He described such reports as inaccurate and at odds with the established facts.
The statement explained that Malami had met all the requirements earlier set by the EFCC in relation to allegations of money laundering and abuse of office—claims he has consistently denied. It added that the anti-graft agency later imposed additional conditions, including restrictions on media engagements and a ban on participating in political activities within Kebbi State.
Doka maintained that Malami committed no violations, arguing that the EFCC withdrew the bail only after he attended a political gathering in his home state, which did not constitute a legal or procedural breach. He further noted that prohibiting Malami from political involvement in Kebbi was unconstitutional and amounted to an infringement on his rights to freedom of movement, association, and political participation.
A popular Nigerian singer, Ruger, has stirred reactions online after expressing his opinion about women who undergo Brazilian Butt Lift procedures, commonly known as BBL. According to Nivo News, the artist shared his thoughts in a recent post on X, where he claimed that many women with surgically enhanced bodies often display questionable behaviour.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ruger, writing in pidgin English, suggested that the cosmetic procedure appears to come with what he described as “a little attitude.” His post read: “When I see girl with BBL, I dey straight up think say dem get bad character. Be like the procedure dey come with small attitude and ogba.”
His comment immediately sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, as users questioned why women’s bodies continue to be subjected to harsh scrutiny and judgment in public discourse.
Renewed unrest has erupted in Benue State as coordinated attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area left a Fulani herder dead and more than 20 cattle slaughtered, heightening fears of escalating communal strife. According to Nivo News, the incidents, which occurred between December 4 and 5, spread across the Ondo, Ogobia, Ugboju and Otukpo Nobi communities—areas already burdened by intermittent clashes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Residents expressed concern over claims that the handling of a key suspect by a security agency may have worsened tensions, raising suspicions of institutional negligence and prompting fears of retaliatory violence.
The crisis intensified on Friday, December 5, when armed individuals from the Ondo community in Ogobia reportedly ambushed a Fulani herder, Hassan Sule, popularly known as Alhaji Foder. Local accounts indicated that he was travelling on a motorcycle with a labourer to inspect his herd when the attackers opened fire. The labourer sustained injuries but managed to escape, while Foder died on the spot.
Panic spread rapidly among Fulani families, who immediately notified troops stationed at the Ogobia military post. Soldiers accompanied the herders to recover the deceased, but the situation escalated when armed men allegedly launched a second ambush, apparently unaware that the military was part of the approaching team. Security sources said troops returned fire swiftly and subdued the assailants.
One of the attackers was reportedly captured alive and disarmed, raising hopes of uncovering those behind the organised assaults. However, the situation took a troubling turn after the suspect was handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Ogoli/Ogboju. According to multiple sources, the officer allegedly released the suspect less than an hour after taking custody.
Fulani community representatives who confronted the DPO said he dismissed their concerns, allegedly stating that the military had no authority to arrest and transfer suspects to him, insisting he was following his professional judgement.
Community leaders condemned the decision as irresponsible and inflammatory, warning that the release of the suspect has worsened an already volatile atmosphere and could trigger further unrest in the affected communities.
-
latest4 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges