The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring early, well-coordinated and hitch-free preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu. He said NAHCON was focused on timely planning, effective coordination and strict compliance with all established procedures guiding the annual pilgrimage.
According to Usman, the commission remains fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on the welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.
Operating under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, NAHCON, he said, is prioritising the early completion of all critical Hajj arrangements. This includes the prompt finalisation of accommodation for state pilgrims in Makkah, in line with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory timelines.
As part of efforts to avoid delays, the NAHCON chairman has approved the immediate deployment of a high-level executive delegation to Saudi Arabia. The team, led by Prof. Usman, is expected to provide direct oversight, conclude and take over all pending accommodation arrangements in Makkah, ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations, and address any potential operational challenges.
Members of the delegation include Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services; Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Board Member representing the North-West Zone; Dr Tajudeen Oladejo, Board Member, South-West Zone; Hajiya Aishat Ahmed, Board Member, South-East Zone; and Dr Mustapha Ali, Secretary of the commission.
Usman explained that the delegation has been mandated to complete its assignment promptly and submit a comprehensive report to the commission immediately after its return.
Meanwhile, the NAHCON chairman said he would remain in Nigeria to receive the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit the country later in February, while also coordinating the delegation’s activities.
He added that NAHCON has activated robust internal governance, coordination and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance and effective execution of all preparatory tasks. This, he said, involves continuous engagement with board members, senior management, service providers and relevant Saudi authorities.
Usman stressed that all actions taken by the commission are guided by its statutory mandate as Nigeria’s Hajj regulatory body and are based on due process, collective decision-making and the need to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, while maintaining strong bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia.
He assured stakeholders and intending pilgrims that NAHCON remains fully committed to delivering a smooth and well-organised 2026 Hajj through improved planning, discipline and professionalism, in line with international best practices.
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