NAHCON signs 2026 Hajj transportation agreement

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed the 2026 Hajj transportation agreement as part of its preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Abba, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Information Officer, Shafii Mohammed, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abba charged the participating airlines to strictly adhere to operational standards and timelines. He described the signing of the agreement as a defining milestone in the commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj.

According to him, transportation operations are a critical component of the arrangements for the pilgrimage and must be handled with the utmost professionalism, precision and commitment.

The NAHCON chairman commended the airlines for their previous performances, emphasising that strict compliance with the provisions of the agreement remains non-negotiable.

He stated that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to ensure that all Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within stipulated timelines.

Abba disclosed that the agreement includes clear compliance measures, including recovery timelines for any airline that falls behind schedule, as well as alternative arrangements, where necessary, to prevent disruptions.

He assured stakeholders that NAHCON would diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

“Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned, in line with the provisions of the agreement.

“The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority,” Abba said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the agreement as a reflection of strengthened collaboration and shared commitment to service excellence.

Elegushi said the 2025 Hajj transportation exercise provided valuable lessons that would guide improvements in the 2026 operations. He noted that the agreement represents a binding commitment to safety, transparency and effective service delivery.

He reiterated that punctuality, operational efficiency, adequate aircraft deployment and effective management of operational challenges are critical to the success of the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the participating airlines, Mr Shehu Wada, SAN, Executive Director and representative of Max Air, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the confidence reposed in them.

Wada described Hajj transportation as a national assignment and assured the commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality and adherence to agreed schedules.