A midday fire broke out at Imaratus Sanan Hotel in Makkah, temporarily housing 484 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, causing widespread concern.
Fortunately, all occupants were in Mina performing Hajj rites, averting casualties. NAHCON swiftly relocated the pilgrims and praised emergency teams for containing the situation.
A fire outbreak at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in Makkah on Saturday has triggered concerns among Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj. The hotel, located on Shari Mansur Street, was serving as temporary accommodation for 484 Nigerian pilgrims under six private tour operators. Fortunately, all the pilgrims were safely away in Mina performing Hajj rites when the fire erupted, averting what could have been a tragic situation.
The incident, which occurred around midday, was confirmed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in a statement released by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara. She explained that none of the Nigerian pilgrims were harmed as they had all traveled to Mina for their scheduled religious obligations at the time of the incident.
“Thankfully, all pilgrims were in Mina for their Hajj rituals when the incident occurred, and therefore were not affected,” Usara stated, expressing relief over the fortunate timing.
Saudi emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene and collaborated with the hotel’s management to contain the fire. Their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the hotel, ultimately bringing the situation under control without any reported injuries or fatalities.
In response to the development, NAHCON’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Malam Abdullahi Saleh, led a delegation to the site of the incident. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and the Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti. The team conducted an on-site assessment to evaluate the extent of damage and to coordinate emergency relief efforts for the affected pilgrims.
To ensure the uninterrupted comfort and safety of the pilgrims, Malam Saleh ordered the immediate relocation of all 484 individuals to new accommodations. He also assured them of NAHCON’s full commitment to their welfare, emphasizing that the incident would not disrupt their spiritual journey.
“We sympathize deeply with the pilgrims and appreciate their calm. NAHCON will continue to work closely with the affected tour operators to ensure a smooth transition and continued comfort for the pilgrims,” he said.
Saleh praised the Saudi emergency services for their rapid and professional handling of the situation and commended the hotel staff for their cooperation and presence of mind during the emergency. He stressed that safety remains a top priority for the Commission, especially during the Hajj period when the physical and emotional well-being of pilgrims is paramount.
The incident highlights the importance of contingency planning and preparedness in managing large-scale religious gatherings such as the Hajj, which annually attracts millions of pilgrims from across the world. For the Nigerian delegation, this event served as a critical reminder of the unpredictability of such occurrences and the need for robust safety measures.
Despite the temporary disruption, NAHCON assured that all activities related to the 2025 Hajj will proceed as planned. The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims are well-catered for and can focus on fulfilling their religious obligations without anxiety.
As the relocated pilgrims settle into their new lodgings, officials continue to work behind the scenes to assess the damage at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel and provide any additional support needed. The proactive steps taken by NAHCON have been widely praised as an example of effective crisis management, offering reassurance to the pilgrims and their families back home.
