Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has acknowledged the interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima regarding the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims. Speaking on Freedom Radio Kaduna, he noted that the CBN's initial cashless BTA payment method would have disrupted the 2025 Hajj exercise arrangements. The CBN has since approved cash transactions for pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.

Usman emphasized the commission's commitment to working with stakeholders, including the CBN, to resolve BTA-related issues, particularly concerning ATM access in Makkah and Madinah. He pointed out that the majority of Nigerian pilgrims are from rural areas and unfamiliar with banking processes, while ATM availability in the holy cities is insufficient for the large number of pilgrims. A post-Hajj meeting with stakeholders, under the Vice President's guidance, is planned to find lasting solutions.

The advance team of the National Medical Team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on the 30th of this month. This team, inaugurated under Usman's leadership, is expected to arrive at least nine days before the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims. Their role is to ensure that Nigerian clinics in Makkah and Madinah are well-equipped with necessary medical supplies. Pilgrims with health issues are urged to disclose them for proper documentation and care. Additionally, pilgrims are advised to protect themselves from the forecasted heatwave by avoiding unnecessary wandering.

The Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced mandatory medical screenings, including pregnancy tests for female pilgrims, for all registered intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. These screenings, to be conducted in government-approved hospitals, are aimed at assessing pilgrims' health and providing appropriate medical support. Failure to undergo the screening may result in forfeiture of the Hajj seat. Pilgrims will also receive two meals per day during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, announced that inaugural flights for Kwara pilgrims will commence on May 12 from Ilorin International Airport to Saudi Arabia. A total of 2,174 pilgrims will be airlifted in four flights, each carrying 550 passengers, with the airlifting process concluding on May 17. Prof Mashood Mahmud-Jimba, chairman of the board, urged pilgrims to avoid abusive language. Grand Khadi, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, advised them to perform Hajj with the fear of Allah and to remain patient during the journey. Representatives from various agencies advised pilgrims to adhere to Hajj regulations and serve as good ambassadors for their state and country.