The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has said that NAHCON remains fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes the welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrim.
The Chairman who is leading a high powered delegations to Saudi Arabia to finalize the 2026 Hajj Exercises preparation on accomodations and other logistics, emphasized that President Tinubu is highly concerned for a successful 2026 Hajj Exercises, which he said they are determined to achieve.
According to the Media Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Ahmad Muazu, the Chairman while departing Nigeria. reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to early planning, effective institutional coordination, and strict adherence to established procedures for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He noted that NAHCON, operating under the supervision of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON which emphasizes the timely completion of all critical Hajj preparatory activities.
He noted that priority is being accorded to the early conclusion of state pilgrims’ accommodation arrangements in Makkah, in compliance with Saudi regulatory timelines.
In alignment with strategic organizational priorities, the Chairman has authorized the immediate deployment of a high level executive delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The delegation, led by the Chairman/CEO, will provide executive oversight, finalize and take over all pending accommodation arrangements in Makkah, ensuring full compliance with Saudi regulatory timelines and mitigating potential operational delays.
The delegation will comprises of
Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Board Member, North West Zone, Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo, Board Member, South West Zone
Others includes, Hajiya Aishat Obi Ahmed, Board Member, South East Zone
and Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Ali, Secretary of the Commission
The delegation is mandated to conclude all accommodation arrangements and submit a comprehensive report to the Commission immediately upon completion of the assignment.
However, the Chairman/CEO will remain in Nigeria to receive the Honourable Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit Nigeria this month while coordinating the delegations activities.
According to Professor Usman, NAHCON has activated appropriate internal governance, coordination, and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance, and effective execution of all preparatory activities.
This includes sustained engagement with Board Members, senior management, service providers and relevant Saudi authorities to ensure adherence to approved timelines and applicable Saudi regulations.
He emphasized that all actions undertaken by the Commission derive from its statutory mandate as the regulatory body for Hajj in Nigeria.
Decisions of the Commission, he noted, are institutional, guided by due process, collective, not individual decisions, and the obligation to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims while preserving Nigeria’s long-standing bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman assured stakeholders and intending pilgrims that NAHCON remains focused on delivering exceptional and hitch free 2026 Hajj by strengthening its systems, improving planning, discipline, and enhancing professionalism across all aspects of Hajj management, in line with international best practices.
He further stated that the Commission will continue to issue official updates through its established communication channels as preparations for the 2026 Hajj progress.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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