2026 Hajj: NAHCON remains focused on delivering exceptional exercise — Chairman

The Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has assured stakeholders in the Nigerian Hajj industry and intending pilgrims to this year’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia that the commission remains focused on delivering exceptional and hitch-free 2026 Hajj.

He stated that to achieve this the commission was strengthening its systems, improving planning, discipline and enhancing professionalism across all aspects of Hajj management, in line with international best practices.

The NAHCON boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to early planning, effective institutional coordination, and strict adherence to established procedures for this year’s Hajj exercise.

A release signed by the Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman/CEO, Ahmad Muazu, on behalf of the chairman, made available to Tribune Online today stated that NAHCON remained fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s the policy direction with its Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritised welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrims. 

Usman added that NAHCON, which is operating under the supervision of the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, emphasises timely completion of all critical Hajj preparatory activities. 

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He noted that priority is being accorded to the early conclusion of state pilgrims’ accommodation arrangements in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in compliance with the Saudi regulatory timelines for the 2026 Hajj.

Muazu stated that in alignment with strategic organisational priorities, the NAHCON CEO had authorised the immediate deployment of a high level executive delegation to the Saudi Arabia. 

“The delegation, led by the Chairman/CEO, will provide executive oversight, finalise and take over all pending accommodation arrangements in Makkah, ensuring full compliance with Saudi regulatory timelines and mitigating potential operational delays,” he stated. 

The delegation will comprise the Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal; board members representing North-West, South-West and South-Easr zones, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman; Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo and Hajiya Aishat Obi Ahmed, respectively and Secretary to the Commission, Dr Mustapha Mohammed Ali.

The delegation, according to the release, was mandated to conclude all accommodation arrangements and submit a comprehensive report to the Commission immediately upon completion of the assignment.

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It added that in view of the forthcoming visit of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, to Nigeria this month, Professor Usman will not join the delegation on the trio to Saudi Arabia as he will remain in Nigeria to receive visiting minister, while coordinating the delegation’s activities.

Meanwhile, Usman assured that NAHCON has activated appropriate internal governance, coordination, and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance and effective execution of all preparatory activities. 

“This includes sustained engagement with board members, senior management, service providers and relevant Saudi authorities to ensure adherence to approved timelines and applicable Saudi regulations,” Muazu stated.

According to the chairman’s media aide, Usman emphasized that all actions undertaken by the commission derive from its statutory mandate as the regulatory body for Hajj in Nigeria. 

“Decisions of the Commission, the chairman noted, are institutional, guided by due process, collective, not individual decisions, and the obligation to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims while preserving Nigeria’s long-standing bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Chairman assured stakeholders and intending pilgrims that NAHCON remains focused on delivering exceptional and hitch free 2026 Hajj by strengthening its systems, improving planning, discipline, and enhancing professionalism across all aspects of Hajj management, in line with international best practices.

“He further stated that the Commission will continue to issue official updates through its established communication channels as preparations for the 2026 Hajj progress,” Muazu further stated.