President Bola Tinubu has been commended for taking bold steps to reform the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with stakeholders describing the reforms as critical to improving Hajj administration in the country.
Speaking at the Post-2026 Hajj Review Summit in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, said President Tinubu demonstrated courage by appointing a new NAHCON leadership based on competence rather than regional considerations, despite criticism.
Modibbo also praised the National Assembly for supporting the reform process and urged NAHCON officials to uphold integrity and accountability, describing Hajj administration as a sacred trust.
“If you do the right thing, the reward is just like that of the pilgrim. We are assured that the reward for a perfect Hajj is Al-Jannah. What then about those facilitating a perfect Hajj? That should be our guiding principle,” he said.
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Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sunusi, commended NAHCON’s leadership for its sincerity and commitment to improving Hajj operations.
The Emir said his interactions with Commission officials convinced him that they were genuinely committed to addressing the challenges encountered during the 2026 Hajj.
He assured the Commission of the continued support of the Sultanate and other stakeholders to ensure Nigerian pilgrims perform their Hajj successfully and return home safely.
While noting that many of the challenges experienced during the pilgrimage were linked to third-party service providers in Saudi Arabia, the Emir said NAHCON must strengthen its oversight since it engaged the vendors.
He called for improved selection and monitoring of service providers responsible for pilgrims’ welfare in the Holy Land.
In his keynote address, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, urged all Hajj stakeholders to work together to build a system where effective regulation protects pilgrims and technology simplifies the Hajj journey.
He stressed that leadership must be anchored on integrity, with officials embodying the spirit of service, operators delivering value, and institutions remaining accountable to both the public and Allah (God).
Professor Oloyede emphasised that the success of the ongoing reform agenda depends on adopting a pilgrim-centred approach.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that every policy, programme and decision prioritises the welfare of pilgrims.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, said the Commission would consolidate the successes recorded during the 2026 Hajj while addressing identified shortcomings.
He listed key achievements, including an orderly airlift, improved visa processing, enhanced medical services and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
However, he acknowledged challenges relating to catering services, accommodation, transportation and compliance with medical screening requirements.
According to Ambassador Yusuf, the Commission’s reform agenda will prioritise early planning, digitalisation, improved service standards, financial transparency, professional training and stronger oversight mechanisms to enhance service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended NAHCON for convening the Post-2026 Hajj Review Summit, describing it as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to learning from experience, improving service delivery and ensuring more successful Hajj operations.
He praised the Commission’s leadership for acknowledging that there is still room for improvement despite receiving widespread commendation, noting that such a mindset is essential for institutional excellence.
Drawing from his experience covering Hajj operations in Indonesia, Malam Ndace stressed that Hajj is a serious national responsibility requiring effective planning, coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
