Axon Media Network

Category: Hajj Talk

  • NAHCON SET TO HOST 2026 HAJJ STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT IN ABUJA

    NAHCON SET TO HOST 2026 HAJJ STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT IN ABUJA

    The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON invites Hajj stakeholders and the general public to its Stakeholders Summit on 2026 Hajj Review and the NAHCON Reform Agenda.

    The Summit is scheduled to take place on Wednesday the 15th of July, 2026 at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

    Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    The  Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCFR is expected to be the special guest of honor while His Eminence,  the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,  Dr Sa’ad Abubakar the third will be the chairman of the occasion. Host is the  Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON,  Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf.

  • NIGERIA AND THE 2026 HAJJ EXERCISE

    NIGERIA AND THE 2026 HAJJ EXERCISE

    I participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise as a stakeholder nominee of Hajia Aishat Obi, NAHCON Commissioner representing the South-East, and writes from personal observation of the pilgrimage operations. The 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will remain one of the most memorable experiences for Nigerian pilgrims and stakeholders, not only for its spiritual significance but also for the remarkable improvement in organization, welfare delivery, and coordination witnessed throughout the exercise. From my firsthand experience, this year’s operation reflects one of the most efficient Hajj management performances in recent years.

    Our delegation departed Nigeria on 13 May 2026 and returned on 5 June 2026 after the successful completion of all Hajj rites. From departure to return, the entire process demonstrated improved logistics, better coordination, and stronger oversight by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The airlift operations were particularly well managed, with orderly departures and smooth returns that ensured pilgrims were treated with dignity and reduced stress.

    As a stakeholder nominated through Hajia Obi, I was able to observe the entire process closely. I remain grateful for her role in facilitating my participation. She did not only nominate me but also supported me personally during a period when I faced financial difficulty in processing my passport. That intervention made it possible for me to undertake this journey and witness firsthand the improvements under the leadership of Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.

    One of the most visible improvements this year was in accommodation arrangements. Pilgrims were generally housed in better-organized facilities, with improved access to essential services and more coordinated supervision. While Hajj operations naturally come with logistical challenges, the level of orderliness and responsiveness recorded this year was a clear improvement compared to previous years.

    Food logistics also recorded significant progress. Feeding thousands of pilgrims daily is a complex task, yet meals were distributed more efficiently and on time. Pilgrims experienced fewer disruptions, and the overall system of food distribution reflected better planning and execution. This improvement contributed significantly to the comfort and wellbeing of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

    A key reform introduced under Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf’s leadership was the decentralization of operational responsibilities. Commissioners were empowered to manage activities within their respective regions, a shift from the traditionally centralized system. This approach improved responsiveness and reduced delays in decision-making.

    With commissioners closer to the pilgrims, issues were resolved faster, communication improved, and support became more accessible. This operational structure strengthened accountability and demonstrated a leadership style that prioritizes efficiency and teamwork.

    Another defining feature of this year’s Hajj was the visible presence of the NAHCON Chairman on the ground. Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf was frequently seen monitoring operations, engaging officials, and inspecting facilities. This hands-on leadership approach contributed to improved discipline and efficiency among staff and service providers.

    His presence also reassured pilgrims that their welfare was being prioritized. Leadership visibility in such a large-scale operation is critical, and it played a positive role in maintaining order and confidence throughout the pilgrimage.

    The success of the 2026 Hajj was also supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which continues to provide world-class infrastructure and security for pilgrims. Security across the holy sites was strong and effective, allowing pilgrims to perform their rites in a safe environment.

    Equally noteworthy was the hospitality of Saudi workers and volunteers. Many were seen assisting pilgrims under extreme weather conditions, distributing water and offering physical support. In several instances, water was poured on pilgrims to help them cope with the heat. These acts of service reflected the humanitarian spirit that defines the Hajj experience.

  • HAJJ 2026: 1,600 LAGOS PILGRIMS RETURN FROM MAKKAH

    HAJJ 2026: 1,600 LAGOS PILGRIMS RETURN FROM MAKKAH

    All 1,600 Lagos pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have safely returned home to reunite with their families.
    The arrival of the final batch of 187 pilgrims on Saturday marked the successful conclusion of the state’s 2026 Hajj operations.

    Speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, described the pilgrimage exercise as successful and well-coordinated.

    Layode attributed the success to the exemplary conduct of the pilgrims and the early preparations made by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    “We give all glory to Almighty God for the successful completion of this year’s Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was a success achieved through teamwork and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.

    “Despite the strict deadlines set by the Saudi authorities for early payments and documentation, we commenced preparations early, which made the entire operation easier. We also conducted comprehensive health checks, orientation programmes, and provided welfare packages for the pilgrims.”

    The commissioner commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat for their support, noting that their interventions contributed significantly to the success of the exercise.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, said Lagos State had developed a reliable operational template that has continued to guide its Hajj management over the years.

    “We have experienced professionals on ground and a tested operational framework that has consistently worked for us. Lagos is not a test-run ground; we already have the manpower and capacity to deliver,” he said.

    According to him, the state is prepared to accommodate over 3,000 pilgrims in future Hajj exercises.

    “Lagos is known for excellence. We have done well again this year and we are determined to improve further in the coming years,” he added.

    Jebe acknowledged that the early payment deadline imposed by Saudi authorities initially posed a challenge but said the state government intervened to ease the burden on intending pilgrims.

    “This year, we faced challenges with the deadlines for visa processing and payments because many pilgrims are used to late payments.

    However, Governor Sanwo-Olu provided financial support to help us meet the deadlines. Pilgrims later refunded the money to the government after making their payments,” he explained.

    He expressed confidence that similar challenges would not affect future Hajj operations in the state.

    The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, also praised the level of coordination among officials, saying it contributed greatly to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

    He added that the board would intensify enlightenment campaigns for prospective pilgrims, especially on the importance of early payment and documentation.

    Some of the returning pilgrims also expressed satisfaction with the exercise, commending Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, the Amir-ul-Hajj, and other officials for prioritising their welfare throughout the spiritual journey.