2026 Hajj: Commission Inaugurates Aviation Monitoring Committee

Chairman and CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

At the ceremony held in the commission’s Board Room at Hajj House, Abuja, yesterday, Usman urged the committee to act as diligent gatekeepers, entrusted with the responsibility of conducting transparent and impartial monitoring of all aviation matters.

He emphasised that the committee is a functional body, not merely decorative, reflecting the Commission’s zero-tolerance for failure and its core commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.

“For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty; it is a sacred trust. We are dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim is able to perform their Ibadah with comfort and safety,” he stated.

The chairman highlighted that while the commission has made steady improvements in airlift logistics, aviation remains the most sensitive and visible component of Hajj operations. “This Committee is not a decorative body; it is a manifestation of our commitment to the welfare of pilgrims. You are the gatekeepers, entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the aviation matters concerning our pilgrims,” he added.

In response, the commissioner for Operations and Licencing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, expressed gratitude to the chairman for the confidence placed in the committee and pledged the team’s total dedication to its mandate.

“Our mission is straightforward yet solemn: to guarantee safe, secure, and dignified air transport for our pilgrims. We will not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims,” Prince Elegushi assured.

According to a statement signed by Ahmad Muazu, technical assistant on media to the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, the committee’s terms of reference encompass reviewing, participating in, and evaluating all documents submitted by applicant airlines and cargo carriers for the 2026 Hajj. The committee will also inspect and assess the readiness of designated airports for Hajj operations and make recommendations regarding airport preparedness.

Additionally, among other responsibilities, the committee will monitor inbound and outbound flights at all departure centres to ensure compliance with airlift agreements and industry standards, oversee the quality of in-flight services in line with industry standards, and ensure that carriers and pilgrims comply with the commission’s luggage policy. The committee will recommend appropriate actions or penalties against defaulting carriers or State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and liaise with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on the abscondment of pilgrims to provide support as needed, undertaking any further actions necessary for the success of Hajj airlift operations and making related recommendations.

Professor Usman urged committee members to perform their duties with the highest levels of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, reminding them that the eyes of millions of Nigerian Muslims are upon them. He expressed complete confidence in the collective expertise of the committee members and tasked them with viewing their assignment as a sacred duty.