The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ismail Yusuf, has launched a new reform agenda. This plan aims to improve Nigeria’s Hajj operations by focusing on accountability, digital tools, and better services for pilgrims.
Mr Yusuf spoke on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ summit about the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform Agenda in Abuja. He said the meeting aimed to review the 2026 Hajj operations carefully and prepare for the 1448AH/2027 pilgrimage.
He described the summit as a chance for honest discussion, not a time for celebration. He said, "Every success should be strengthened while shortcomings must be openly acknowledged and addressed."
“We have brought together the entire Hajj family, regulators, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private tour operators, airlines, medical teams, legislators, and our Saudi partners to reflect honestly on the 2026 Hajj and chart a better course for the future,” he added.
Mr Yusuf thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support that helped make the Hajj operation successful. He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his ongoing commitment to Hajj affairs.
He recognized the support from the Sultan of Sokoto, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Mr Yusuf noted that the 2026 Hajj had several successes. These included a smooth airlift of pilgrims, improved visa processing through the Nusuk platform, better medical services, and safe return of Nigerian pilgrims.
But he also pointed out some weaknesses that need urgent attention. He mentioned the avoidance of mandatory medical screening by 109 pilgrims, issues with catering services at the Masha’er holy sites, and problems in accommodation and transportation.
He revealed that NAHCON has started post-Hajj reconciliation with Saudi service providers. He warned that poor performance will now have consequences. "The era in which contractual failure carried no consequences is over. Pilgrims must receive compensation where services fall below agreed standards, and future patronage will be based strictly on performance,” he said.
Mr Yusuf said Nigeria needs to align its Hajj operations with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This vision has changed how pilgrimages are managed with digital platforms like Nusuk and Masar.
He warned that countries that do not modernize risk missing out on better quotas, premium services, and priority scheduling. "As one of the world’s largest Hajj-participating nations, Nigeria cannot afford to remain a spectator. We must become a strategic partner in this transformation,” he said.
To achieve this, NAHCON plans to start early planning, create a National Pilgrimage Digital Platform for Hajj and Umrah services, and improve financial transparency. They also want to enforce professional standards, decentralize operations while keeping regulatory oversight, and enhance Umrah regulation.
Mr Yusuf emphasized that Hajj has become one of the largest mass-travel events in the world. It needs careful planning, real-time data, and clear service standards. He said NAHCON will focus on professional certification for Hajj officials and strict compliance with schedules.
He announced that all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed tour operators have been told to start preparing for the 2027 Hajj. Mr Yusuf encouraged open discussions during the summit, asking participants to focus on practical solutions instead of praise.
“The Nigerian pilgrim is not asking for luxury. They are asking for order, dignity, and efficient service. Under this reform agenda, that is a promise we intend to keep,” he said.
Participants who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES praised the summit. They saw it as a key step towards better Hajj administration in Nigeria. Bello Imam, a stakeholder, said the event showed the new leadership’s commitment to transparency by reviewing achievements and challenges.
Hassan Abdallah, a licensed tour operator, noted that the chairman’s reform agenda shows a desire to modernize Hajj operations with professionalism and stronger regulation. Others welcomed the idea of a National Pilgrimage Digital Platform and better training.
They expressed confidence that these reforms would improve service delivery and enhance the experience for Nigerian pilgrims. They agreed that if the summit’s resolutions are fully implemented, Nigeria’s Hajj administration would become more efficient and competitive while providing better value and services to pilgrims.
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