A fire broke out on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The hotel was accommodating over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.
Fortunately, all the pilgrims were away at the time of the incident, having traveled to Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual, a central component of the Hajj pilgrimage. As a result, there were no casualties, though the fire caused significant damage to parts of the building.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara. The commission expressed gratitude for the swift response from Saudi emergency services and the hotel staff, which helped contain the fire and prevent further damage.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, visited the scene alongside senior officials to assess the damage and reassure the affected pilgrims. “Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged for their immediate relocation and will offer all necessary support to ease their discomfort.”
The commission has since inspected an alternative hotel and finalized arrangements to relocate the pilgrims upon their return from Mina. Professor Usman thanked Allah for the safety of all pilgrims and praised both the Saudi fire service and hotel staff for their quick and coordinated response.
NAHCON is working closely with the six affected private tour operators to ensure a smooth transition to the new accommodation and to support the pilgrims through the remainder of their Hajj experience.
