FCT Minister Rallies Stakeholders To Reform Nigeria’s Hajj Industry

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, regulatory agencies and Hajj service providers to reposition Nigeria’s Hajj industry as a benchmark for service excellence, transparency and accountability.

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform in Abuja on Wednesday, Mahmoud said meaningful reforms and collective action were essential to delivering a more efficient, transparent and pilgrim-centred Hajj operation.

Addressing participants drawn from across the Hajj value chain, the minister described the summit’s theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Hajj Industry as a Model of Service Excellence,” as both timely and significant, noting that it reflected a shared determination to improve Hajj administration and strengthen public confidence in the pilgrimage process.

She stressed that every Nigerian pilgrim deserves a Hajj experience characterised by dignity, safety, comfort and professionalism, adding that such a standard can only be achieved through meticulous planning, effective coordination and an unwavering commitment to quality service delivery.

According to Mahmoud, the annual pilgrimage is not only a deeply spiritual obligation for Muslims but also a major national undertaking that requires seamless collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure its success.

The minister commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for convening the post-Hajj review summit, describing it as a critical platform for evaluating the successes and shortcomings of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

She noted that honest assessment of past operations is indispensable for driving institutional reforms and improving future pilgrimages.

Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery and strengthening governance within Nigeria’s Hajj industry.

She emphasised that sustainable progress would depend on closer cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, NAHCON, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, service providers, regulatory institutions and religious leaders.

The minister urged participants at the summit to draw lessons from the experiences of the 2026 Hajj, while also embracing international best practices that have transformed Hajj administration in other countries.

She expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical and forward-looking recommendations capable of improving operational efficiency, strengthening accountability, promoting innovation and ultimately enhancing the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

Mahmoud also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for institutional reforms across critical sectors, including Hajj administration, saying the government’s commitment has created an enabling environment for lasting improvements.

She congratulated the organisers of the summit for initiating what she described as a commendable and strategic engagement, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would help establish a more transparent, efficient and globally respected Hajj management system for Nigeria.

The Stakeholders’ Summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform brought together government officials, Hajj administrators, service providers and other key stakeholders to review the 2026 pilgrimage and develop a comprehensive roadmap for improving preparations ahead of the 2027 Hajj.