morganabLE politics/Governance
The Vice President emphasised that NAHCON would continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth organisation of future pilgrimages, particularly as global Hajj operations evolve from a traditional government-to-government framework to a more business-to-business model
KaNo—
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for what he described as a significantly improved coordination of the 2026 Hajj operations, attributing the success of the pilgrimage to the leadership and timely intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima gave the commendation in Abuja while receiving a comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj exercise from the NAHCON board, led by its Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf.
The report detailed the commission’s planning, logistics, stakeholder coordination and execution of the pilgrimage, which the Vice President said marked a departure from previous operational challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said NAHCON had demonstrated renewed vigour and professionalism under its current leadership.
He noted that the commission’s performance during the 2026 exercise reflected a commitment to excellence and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerian pilgrims.
Shettima Emphasizes NAHCON Role In Hajj Operations
The Vice President emphasised that NAHCON would continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth organisation of future pilgrimages, particularly as global Hajj operations evolve from a traditional government-to-government framework to a more business-to-business model.
According to him, while the operational model may be shifting, the role of government remains indispensable in safeguarding the interests of pilgrims and ensuring that the process remains seamless, transparent and efficient.
“And I must thank Mr President for decisively coming to the rescue of NAHCON. We want to thank him for the support that culminated in such a highly successful and seamless operation,” Shettima was quoted as saying.
He further lauded the NAHCON chairman and members of the board for their leadership during the exercise, describing their performance as a demonstration of confidence, competence and teamwork.
“I am very proud of the NAHCON chairman. He has shown capacity and exhibited a very high sense of professionalism and the willingness to carry on board members,” the Vice President added, urging the commission to sustain the momentum in subsequent exercises.
Shettima also highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving the successes recorded during the 2026 Hajj, noting that coordination across various agencies, service providers and international partners was critical to delivering a hitch-free pilgrimage.
NAHCON Chairman Express Gratitude To President Tinubu, Shettima
Earlier in his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Vice President for their consistent support, describing their interventions as timely and impactful.
Yusuf said the Federal Government’s policy measures, particularly in stabilising access to foreign exchange, securing the Basic Travel Allowance for pilgrims and addressing fluctuations in aviation fuel costs, played a vital role in easing financial pressures on intending pilgrims.
He noted that these interventions came at a critical period marked by global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, which had significantly impacted the cost and logistics of international travel.
According to him, the government’s support ensured that the Hajj remained accessible to thousands of Nigerians despite prevailing economic challenges.
“Their critical, compassionate policy interventions, particularly in stabilising foreign exchange access, securing the basic travelling allowance, and mitigating sudden spikes in aviation fuel significantly relieved the financial burden on a multitude of pilgrims,” Yusuf said.
He added that under the direct guidance of the Vice President, the commission was able to harmonise collaboration among stakeholders, leading to what he described as a widely acknowledged successful and seamless operation.
Yusuf also highlighted improvements in key areas such as early planning, timely airlift of pilgrims and effective logistics management in Makkah, noting that Nigerian pilgrims were treated with dignity throughout the exercise.
“From early arrangements and timely airlift to logistical management within the holy sites, Nigerian pilgrims were treated with utmost dignity,” he said.
The presentation was attended by other senior officials of the commission, including the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, AbdulRazak Aliu; Commissioner for Operations, Anofi Elegushi; as well as representatives of the six geopolitical zones on the NAHCON board.
NAHCON Urges Intending Pilgrims To Complete Registration
Meanwhile, as preparations for the 2027 Hajj gather momentum, NAHCON has issued a fresh reminder to intending pilgrims and stakeholders, urging them to complete their registration and data upload before the September 26, 2026 deadline.
In a statement shared via its official X account on Saturday, the commission warned that failure to meet the deadline could lead to the forfeiture of allocated pilgrimage slots.
“The countdown to the 26th September 2026 deadline for 2027 Hajj registration and pilgrim data upload has begun. Register early. Upload pilgrim data. Avoid the last-minute rush,” the commission stated.
NAHCON explained that the deadline is tied to the timelines set by Saudi authorities for the organisation of the pilgrimage, particularly the digital processing of pilgrims’ information, which is critical to visa issuance and accommodation arrangements.
The commission further disclosed that full remittance of payments for allocated slots is expected by December 2, 2026, advising intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially designated channels, including state pilgrims’ welfare boards, approved Hajj savings institutions and licensed tour operators.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient process for the 2027 Hajj and urged all stakeholders to comply with the guidelines to avoid disruptions.
Saudi Decline Nigeria’s Request For Increased Hajj Quota
In a related development, NAHCON confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declined Nigeria’s request for an increase in its Hajj quota for 2027, maintaining the country’s allocation despite growing demand.
The commission said it had engaged Saudi authorities in a bid to secure additional slots to accommodate more Nigerian pilgrims, following appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
However, the request was turned down due to capacity limitations at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining strict adherence to approved quotas for each participating country.
As a result, Nigeria’s allocation remains at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed private tour operators.
Commenting on the development, Yusuf acknowledged the disappointment the decision may bring to intending pilgrims but noted that the commission respects the position of the Saudi authorities.
He assured that NAHCON would continue to explore all available avenues to improve the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims within the existing quota framework.
The developments underscore the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to strengthen Hajj operations through improved planning, policy support and stakeholder collaboration, even as demand for the pilgrimage continues to rise across the country.
