2026 Hajj: Be just, fair in your reportage — NAHCON boss tells media

Members of the National Media Team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been urged to uphold truth, fairness and objectivity in their reportage of the pilgrimage.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, gave the charge on Tuesday while inaugurating the team at the commission’s Hajj House headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by the Commissioner for Personnel, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Professor Abubakar Yagawwal, the NAHCON boss noted that the commission’s image had been misrepresented in recent times.

“The image of this Hajj commission has been distorted by the media. Be truthful, just and fair in your reportage. Highlight the positives, and where there are shortcomings, draw our attention so they can be addressed,” he said.

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Yusuf also described the selection of the media team as significant, noting that the number was reduced from 50 to 30 and eventually to 20.

“Consider your selection as divine. You were initially 50, then reduced to 30, and now 20. See this as an opportunity to serve the guests of Allah (pilgrims) in Makkah, Madinah and the Masha’ir (holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah),” he added.

He prayed for divine guidance for the team and wished them success in their assignment.

In his goodwill message, Prof. Yagawwal described the media team as one of the most critical committees in Hajj operations.

“You serve as the eyes and ears of the public. It is through your reports that people understand what is happening in Hajj operations, both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

He urged the team to provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the exercise, including flight operations at designated airports, as well as pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding in Madinah, Makkah and the Masha’ir.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspection and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, called on the team to ensure accurate reporting and avoid misinformation.

He emphasised that members should see themselves as part of NAHCON rather than external contractors.

“You are not being hired; you are serving the country,” he said.