The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has reiterated the commission’s dedication to making early preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by his Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu.
According to him, “NAHCON, operating under the supervision of the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, emphasizes the timely completion of all critical Hajj preparatory activities,” he said.
He stated that they are giving precedence to finalizing the accommodation arrangements for state pilgrims in Makkah ahead of schedule, in line with Saudi regulatory requirements.
In line with the commission’s focus, the NAHCON Chairman approved the prompt mobilization of a delegation comprising senior executives, to be led personally by him, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He explained that the team would oversee operations, complete and assume responsibility for all outstanding accommodation arrangements in Makkah, ensuring adherence to Saudi regulatory timelines and preventing any operational setbacks.
The named members of the delegation are Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), and Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Board Member representing the Northwest Zone.
Other members included Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo, Board Member for the Southwest Zone; Hajiya Aishat Ahmed, Board Member for the Southeast Zone; and Dr. Mustapha Ali, the commission’s Secretary.
He said, “The delegation is mandated to conclude all accommodation arrangements and submit a comprehensive report to the commission immediately upon completion of the assignment.”
However, Usman stated that he would stay in Nigeria to welcome the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is scheduled to visit Nigeria at a later date in February, while also overseeing the activities of the delegation.
Usman stated that NAHCON has ensured proper internal governance, coordination, and oversight systems to guarantee transparency, adherence to procedures, and the efficient implementation of all preparatory tasks.
“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 stated.
He also noted that every action carried out by the commission is based on its statutory mandate as Nigeria’s regulatory authority for Hajj.
“Decisions of the commission are institutional, guided by due process, collective 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,” he added.
The NAHCON Chairman reassured stakeholders and prospective pilgrims that the commission is committed to ensuring a smooth and outstanding Hajj experience in 2026.