Many Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah are facing difficulties navigating the Nusuk application, which is essential for booking visits to Rawdah (Riyazul Janna) in the Holy Prophet’s Mosque and other holy sites. The challenge is especially pronounced among elderly pilgrims and those unfamiliar with smartphones, resulting in confusion and missed opportunities to access sacred areas.
According to a Bauchi pilgrim Alh Bello the lack of guidance and technical support has left many stranded. “During my Rawdah visit, pilgrims from Kebbi and Nasarawa wrongly thought standing behind me would gain them access,” he said. “They were unaware that an app booking was required and were turned away at the screening area.”
Another pilgrim identified as Alkali who chatted HAJJ REPORTERS via WhatsApp said “states official especially the ones that accompany pilgrims to Madinah are not conversant with the process of booking the NUSUK app”
“Sir, even those officials themselves couldn’t gain access to Rawdah because they don know that you need to book. That is the situation we found ourselves here.
Some pilgrims reportedly waited for hours seeking assistance, only to discover they lacked the smartphones or data needed to make bookings. The situation is worsened by poor communication among state center officers and the absence of visible pilgrim assistants. Bello noted that some officers lacked mobile phones and had little knowledge of scheduled site visits.
Pilgrims from Bauchi’s third flight, who arrived yesterday, were unaware of a visit to holy sites this morning highlighting the growing need for better coordination. In several cases, Bello said he had to personally guide officers and even convinced one to acquire a phone to help with group bookings.
He is calling for urgent intervention to ensure officers are equipped with proper tools and communication systems to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
