Ahead of 2027 Hajj operations, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) don start diplomatic consultations to restore Nigeria Hajj allocation to 95,000 pilgrims. The commission also unveil broad reform agenda wey go improve planning, service delivery and stakeholder participation for the exercise.
NAHCON Director of Administration, Alhaji Alidu Shuti, tell THISDAY on sideline of stakeholders summit for Abuja. He say NAHCON go engage Saudi Arabian authorities to reverse reduction for Nigeria Hajj quota after about 50,000 pilgrims perform 2026 Hajj.
Shuti explain say Nigeria receive higher Hajj allocations for previous years. He add say commission go pursue additional slots to meet growing demand from intending pilgrims. He also state say NAHCON go begin early engagement with Saudi Arabian authorities to secure timely approval of flight schedules.
According to am, commission no go longer seek extensions to deadlines set by Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He say commission go review operational guidelines and contractual agreements with service providers to close existing loopholes and strengthen accountability. Dis include retaining part of contractors payments until dem evaluate performance after Hajj operations.
Director further disclose say NAHCON plan to engage hotel owners directly for Madinah to reduce involvement of intermediaries. Dem go give priority to larger accommodation facilities wey fit house at least 500 pilgrims to improve coordination.
He say commission go strengthen capacity building through training and retraining of Hajj managers at local government, state and national levels. Dem also go improve catering services by encouraging providers to engage Nigerian chefs or collaborate with Nigerians to better cater to pilgrims dietary preferences.
Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) call for greater transparency for Hajj slot allocation. Dem urge commission to involve tour operators for selecting service providers for Saudi Arabia. Association also advocate greater participation for pilgrims education programmes, improved access to medical services for private pilgrims and better coordination of airlift operations.
State Pilgrims Welfare Boards Forum call for introduction of standard pilgrims education module to ensure intending pilgrims across Nigeria receive uniform orientation before departure. Stakeholders express confidence say implementing proposed reforms go strengthen Nigeria Hajj administration and improve overall pilgrimage experience ahead of 2027 Hajj.
Fresh revelations emerge on how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu resist intense political pressure and ethnic lobbying from powerful delegation from Southwest to press ahead with reforms at NAHCON. Details of high-stakes political drama inside Presidential Villa were laid bare by Special Adviser to President on General Duties (Office of Vice-President), Dr. Aliyu Madibbo.
Madibbo speak on behalf of Vice-President Kashim Shettima at stakeholders summit on post-2026 Hajj review and NAHCON reform agenda for Abuja. He paint vivid picture of presidency wey determine to break mould of ethnic patronage, even at great political cost.
He say standard political playbook for Nigeria go don dictate say former NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, wey hail from Southwest, be left for office to satisfy regional interests. However, President Tinubu choose national interest over ethnic solidarity, sparking quiet storm.
Madibbo say: “The normal thing would have been for Mr. President to let Zikrullah continue because he’s a Yoruba man like him.” He say President take backlash because sizable delegation from Yorubaland come protest to am, questioning why e go do dat when e be the one wey lobby for Zikrullah appointment during Buhari administration.
Madibbo say President remain unfazed by regional protest, telling agitators say “if there is problem, we must confront it.” He add say upon assuming office for 2023, President Tinubu give Vice-President Shettima “blank check” to clean up commission and headhunt reform-minded leadership.
Speaking on efficiency, Madibbo leave current NAHCON management, commissioners and stakeholders with sobering warning. He say: “Remember, your one leg is in Jannah, and the other leg is in the wrong place—unless you do the right thing.” He say if you do right thing, reward na Jannah.
He commend 10th National Assembly for cooperation, noting say Senate clear three NAHCON nominees for quick succession without delays or unnecessary queries, paving way for ongoing institutional reforms.
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, call for comprehensive reforms for Nigeria Hajj administration to build transparent, efficient, accountable and pilgrim-centred system. She describe summit theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Hajj Industry as a Model of Service Excellence”, as timely and significant.
According to minister, Hajj no be only sacred religious obligation, but also exercise wey require meticulous planning, seamless coordination and exceptional service delivery. She say every pilgrim deserve experience wey reflect dignity, safety, comfort and professionalism.
Mahmoud laud NAHCON for convening summit to undertake critical assessment of 2026 Hajj operations. She stress say honest evaluation of achievements and challenges remain essential to strengthening public confidence and driving institutional reforms.
She reaffirm commitment of Federal Capital Territory Administration to initiatives wey improve public service delivery. She emphasize say collaboration among governments, regulatory agencies, service providers, state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and religious leaders be indispensable to building more efficient and sustainable Hajj management system.
Minister advise participants to make meaningful contributions during summit by drawing on practical experience and global best practices. She say recommendations from summit should provide clear roadmap for sustainable reforms.
Mahmoud laud President Tinubu for commitment to institutional reforms under Renewed Hope Agenda. She note say administration emphasis on transparency, efficiency and people-centred governance continue to strengthen critical national institutions, including those responsible for Hajj administration.
She acknowledge leadership of Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, for fostering environment wey support reforms and excellence for public service delivery.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, say purpose of summit no be just to review one season, but also to reposition Hajj processes for effective performance. He say Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dey execute vision 2030, most ambitious transformation of pilgrimage administration for modern history.
He say forum should be seen as forum for accountability. According to am, modest achievements recorded during 2026 Hajj operation must be interrogated and how such achievements fit be institutionalised. He say every shortcoming must be named without embellishment and matched with remedy.
