No fewer than 2717 intending pilgrims from Nigeria have been denied visas by the Saudi Arabian government.
This was disclosed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in a statement signed by the NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on Monday.
The commission expressed regret over the situation, despite its efforts to get the Saudi authorities to consider re-opening the visa portal “even for an hour.”
“Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider the re-opening of the visa portal, even for an hour, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is saddened that this was not achieved. Hence, the visa suspension affected 2,717 pilgrims who had late registration from both sides.
“In the light of the above, NAHCON wishes to console those affected by the visa closure to have faith, knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call. However, it is also advised that all intending pilgrims should always plan ahead for their Hajj ahead of deadlines to avoid disappointments,” the statement partly read.
“From the beginning of Hajj registration to date, NAHCON facilitated the extension of deadlines four times, beginning with Hajj fare remittance to visa issuance. Yet, despite several warnings signalling the end of visa issuance by April 19, 2025, with its attendant consequences, some intending pilgrims came late with their Hajj payments.
“Out of consideration following numerous requests for the Commission to continue accepting Hajj fares, NAHCON formally requested an extension of visa processing, which was graciously approved. However, further access to visa issuance was blocked since May 19, 2025,” the Commission explained.
According to the statement, the one-month extension from April 19 provided relief for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Tour Operators still concluding arrangements for their clients.
NAHCON also revealed that at the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to Tour Operator Companies, out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector, stating that it had continued to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators “within its legal means.”
“By the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to Tour Operator Companies out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector. Notwithstanding, NAHCON went further within its legal means to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators, further boosting the capacity of the operators.”
“NAHCON emphasises that it recognises only Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorised provider for Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj. Therefore, NAHCON will not be held responsible for the consequences of any arrangements made outside of this recognised channel,” the statement warned.
Tour operators were urged not to engage “in dealings that could compromise the welfare of their pilgrims or violate Saudi regulations.”
Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, the commission added that it “continues to engage relevant Saudi authorities to ensure that both private and public sector operators deliver services that meet international standards.”
Wema Bank Wins ‘Commercial Bank of the Year’ at 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Awards
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been announced as the winner of the ‘Commercial Bank of the Year’ Award at the 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards (NCMC Awards). The announcement was made at the prestigious awards gala held on May 23rd at the Civic Center in Lagos, where standout performers across Nigeria’s capital markets were celebrated.
The Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards is a data-driven platform that recognises excellence among publicly listed companies in Nigeria. Winners are selected based on key metrics such as revenue growth, profitability, return on equity, and shareholder value creation. The 2025 edition was themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s Economic Transformation.”
The NCMC Awards recognised Wema Bank for its exceptional financial performance, value creation, and consistent returns to shareholders. In a highly competitive ‘Commercial Bank of the Year category’ that included industry heavyweights, Wema stood out for its record-breaking ₦102 billion profit before tax in 2024, robust year-on-year revenue and profitability growth, and one of the strongest returns on average equity in the sector. The bank’s disciplined execution, investor-focused strategy, and continued leadership in digital innovation further strengthened its capital market appeal, making it a clear choice for the award and a rising force among Nigeria’s top-tier financial institutions.
Receiving this honour during its 80th anniversary year adds profound meaning to the recognition. For eight decades, Wema Bank has continually evolved, transforming from a regional lender into a forward-looking, digitally-led national bank today. Its recognition as ‘Commercial Bank of the Year’ reflects not just recent performance but a sustained commitment to resilience, reinvention, and excellence.
Commenting on the award, Moruf Oseni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, said, “Being named Commercial Bank of the Year is a powerful affirmation of the bold choices we’ve made to transform our business and deliver real value to our stakeholders. It’s a proud moment for Wema Bank – every employee, customer, and shareholder who has been part of this journey. As we mark 80 years of impact, this award celebrates the legacy we’re carrying forward and the future we’re determined to shape – one defined by innovation, trust, and sustainable growth.”
Wema Bank PLC also earned a nomination in the highly competitive Company of the Year category, where it stood as the only financial institution shortlisted alongside two energy giants. Wema’s presence in both categories underscores its growing reputation as a high-performing, innovation-driven institution within and beyond the banking sector.
The NCMC Awards continues to spotlight institutions driving meaningful change and setting new benchmarks in Nigeria’s capital markets. Wema Bank’s dual presence of winning Commercial Bank of the Year and earning a rare nomination in the Company of the Year category reinforces its growing influence beyond traditional banking. It is a testament to the bank’s evolution into a dynamic, future-ready institution delivering impact across sectors.
This accolade further highlights Wema Bank’s momentum in 2025, as the institution continues to deliver on its strategic goals while celebrating 80 years of banking excellence and innovation.
