NAHCON Briefs Saudi Authorities on Nigeria’s Readiness for 2026 Hajj
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NAHCON Briefs Saudi Authorities on Nigeria’s Readiness for 2026 Hajj
By Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has briefed the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Nigeria’s level of preparedness ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The virtual meeting, held as part of ongoing consultations with the Saudi authorities, was aimed at ensuring early coordination and alignment with the Kingdom’s operational framework for next year’s pilgrimage.
According to a statement from the Commission, Prof. Usman outlined key achievements in Nigeria’s preparations, including the successful reservation of initial camp slots and related services consistent with the Saudi Hajj calendar.
On the crucial issue of airlift, the NAHCON Chairman disclosed that the selection of air carriers for the 2026 operation was at its concluding stage.
He said the Commission would soon forward the list of approved airlines to the Saudi Ministry to facilitate slot allocation and flight schedule harmonisation in line with aviation protocols.
Prof. Usman also revealed that the screening of tour operators was nearing completion, with the Commission retaining the 10-group structure adopted for the 2025 Hajj.
He assured that the same camp zones allocated last year would be maintained to ensure operational stability and pilgrims’ comfort.
In his remarks, the representative of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Youssef Jamal Altharthi, commended NAHCON for its proactive coordination and early engagement.
He urged the Commission to expedite the submission of pilgrims’ data and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
Altharthi further informed NAHCON of a new policy that mandates the issuance of Nusuk cards to pilgrims upon arrival at the airport, rather than at their hotels or during departure to Makkah.
The change, he explained, is designed to improve security and streamline administrative procedures during entry.
Prof. Usman reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to providing Nigerian pilgrims with a well-organised, spiritually rewarding, and hassle-free Hajj experience.
“NAHCON remains committed to fostering strong collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to deliver a successful 2026 Hajj operation,” he said.
Those present at the meeting included Prof. Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS); Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations and Licensing; Alhaji Mohammed Ali, Secretary to the Commission; Alhaji Alidu Shutti, Director of Administration and Human Resources; and Dr. Danbaba Haruna, Special Assistant, General Duties, to the Chairman/CEO.
