The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has deployed a high-powered executive delegation to Saudi Arabia to conclude accommodation arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said the move underscores the Commission’s resolve to prioritise early planning, effective coordination, and strict compliance with Saudi Arabia’s operational timelines for the pilgrimage.

In a statement issued Sunday by his Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu, Usman said NAHCON had resolved to complete all critical preparations in good time, particularly the early securing of accommodation for state pilgrims in Makkah, in line with Saudi regulatory requirements.

According to him, the Commission’s approach is consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places premium emphasis on the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of Nigerian pilgrims.

He added that NAHCON operates under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has consistently stressed the importance of timely completion of all Hajj-related arrangements.

Usman explained that the delegation was authorised to provide executive oversight, conclude and formally take over all pending accommodation arrangements, and ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations to prevent operational challenges during the pilgrimage.

The delegation comprises the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal; Board Member representing the North-West, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman; Board Member representing the South-West, Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo; Board Member representing the South-East, Hajiya Aishat Obi Ahmed; and the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Ali.

The NAHCON boss said the team has been mandated to finalise all accommodation processes and submit a comprehensive report to the Commission at the conclusion of its assignment.

While the delegation is in Saudi Arabia, Usman will remain in Nigeria to receive the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, who is expected to visit the country later this month. He will also remotely supervise and coordinate the delegation’s activities.

He further disclosed that NAHCON has activated internal governance and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability, procedural compliance, and effective execution of all preparatory activities, including continuous engagement with board members, senior management, service providers, and Saudi authorities.

Usman stressed that all actions taken by the Commission are guided by its statutory mandate as Nigeria’s Hajj regulatory body, adding that decisions are institutional, transparent, and designed to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims while strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia.

The chairman assured stakeholders and intending pilgrims of NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a seamless, efficient, and hitch-free 2026 Hajj through enhanced planning, discipline, and professionalism in line with global best practices. (The Guardian)

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