Commission Affirms Readiness For 2026 Hajj

Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has reiterated the agency”s dedication to early planning, effective coordination, and strict adherence to established procedures for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

Usman emphasised that NAHCON remains fully aligned with the Federal Government’s policy direction under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes the welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

Operating under the supervision of Vice

President Kashim Shettima, NAHCON is committed to completing all critical preparatory activities for Hajj on time.

A key focus, he noted, is ensuring the timely completion of accommodation arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, in line with Saudi regulations and timelines.

To further this objective, the chairman has authorised the immediate deployment of a high-level executive delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Led by the chairman/CEO, this delegation will oversee and finalize all outstanding accommodation arrangements in Makkah, ensuring full compliance with Saudi regulations and preventing any operational delays.

The delegation will include the following members: 1. Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS) 2. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Board Member, North West Zone 3. Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo, Board Member, South West Zone 4. Hajiya Aishat Obi Ahmed, Board Member, South East Zone 5. Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Ali, Secretary of the Commission.

The team is tasked with finalising accommodation arrangements and submitting a comprehensive report to the Commission upon completion of their mission.

While the delegation is in Saudi Arabia, the chairman/CEO will remain in Nigeria to welcome the minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit Nigeria this month, and to oversee the delegation’s activities.

Professor Usman further assured that NAHCON has activated appropriate internal governance and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance, and effective execution of all preparatory activities. This includes ongoing engagement with board members, senior management, service providers, and Saudi authorities to ensure that approved timelines and regulations are strictly followed.

He emphasised that NAHCON’s decisions are based on institutional processes, guided by due procedure, and collective input, aimed at safeguarding the interests of Nigerian pilgrims while maintaining Nigeria’s strong bilateral ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The chairman also reassured stakeholders and intending pilgrims that NAHCON is committed to delivering a seamless and successful 2026 Hajj by strengthening systems, improving planning, fostering discipline, and enhancing professionalism throughout all aspects of Hajj management, in line with international best practices.