By Fatima Saka
In continuation of its oversight functions, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Ali Ndume, on June 9, 2025, visited the site of a fire incident at Imaratus Sanan Hotel, Shari Mansur Street, Makkah, where Nigerian tour operator pilgrims lost properties in a blaze that occurred two days earlier.
The committee, which included Senators Sahabi Ya’u, Sharafadeen Ali, and Abdulhamid Ahmad, was received at the site by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal.
During the visit, Professor Usman conducted the senators around the site and provided a detailed briefing on the fire incident and the Commission’s swift intervention, which involved the immediate relocation of affected pilgrims to alternative accommodation.
Speaking to the press, Senator Ndume expressed his sympathies to the affected pilgrims and lauded NAHCON for its rapid and effective response. “We are here to assess the situation ourselves and commend the steps taken. We thank Allah that no lives were lost,” he said.
The senators also visited the relocated pilgrims at their new accommodation, where they reassured them of government support. A pilgrim who lost travel documents in the fire voiced his concern, prompting Senator Sahabi Ya’u to direct NAHCON to compile a comprehensive incident report. The document will assist victims in obtaining police reports and replacement documents upon returning to Nigeria.
Professor Usman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of all pilgrims, noting, “We remain ready to assist our pilgrims in every possible way.”
Earlier in the day, the leadership of affected tour operators—including Arafat Air Services, Moslima Tours, Az Hab Travels, Danbare Travel and Tours, Amami, and Murna Companies—paid a courtesy visit to NAHCON’s chairman to express gratitude for the Commission’s prompt response.
Led by AbdulAzeez Shabitu of Arafat Travels, the group reported that six rooms were completely destroyed while 120 others sustained partial damage. “We thank Almighty Allah that no lives were lost,” Mr. Shabitu said.
In response, Professor Usman downplayed the gratitude, insisting that NAHCON was merely fulfilling its statutory obligation to pilgrims. He offered further condolences and praised divine intervention for preventing casualties.
READ ALSO: Environment Day: ACI partners Providus Bank to plant trees in Lagos school
Tinubu Open’s Remodel Abuja Conference Centre, Rename in His Honour
Also present during the visit were Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, and other senior NAHCON officials.
The visit by the Senate Committee marks a significant gesture of accountability and solidarity with Nigerian pilgrims, reinforcing the government’s commitment to their safety and well-being during Hajj operations.
