By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah sector to intensify preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage, warning that the deadlines for the exercise are fast approaching.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 10th edition of the IHR Annual Hajj Lecture and Awards held at the National Mosque Auditorium, Abuja, on Thursday.

The conference, organised under the theme of strengthening Hajj and Umrah operations for the benefit of pilgrims and stakeholders, brought together stakeholders and experts to review developments, challenges and emerging opportunities in the sector.

IHR, an umbrella body of journalists committed to reporting, educating and advocating workable policies in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, was established and registered as a civil society organisation in 2012.

The conference expressed concern over emerging digital challenges, particularly the growing volume of conflicting information during Hajj operations, which it described as “information overload.”

To address the challenge, IHR announced the constitution of a Media Monitoring Team to facilitate real-time tracking and reporting of Hajj operations and services, with a view to reducing misinformation and providing pilgrims and stakeholders with reliable information.

The organisation also urged all stakeholders to “buckle up” and accelerate preparations for the 2027 Hajj, noting that key deadlines for the pilgrimage are fast expiring.

The conference further observed that the Hajj and Umrah sector had moved beyond its spiritual significance to become a major economic opportunity, urging Nigerian entrepreneurs and operators to explore opportunities in transportation, aviation, accommodation, hospitality, catering, healthcare, financial services, retail and logistics.

It noted that Hajj had evolved into a global mirror of Islam and Muslims, stressing that efficient and comprehensive service delivery was essential to projecting a positive image of Nigeria while ensuring that pilgrims’ welfare remained the central consideration.

On security, participants commended security agencies for their efforts in protecting pilgrims and officials, while calling for greater synergy, vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property throughout Hajj operations.

The conference also advocated greater adoption of Islamic financing models in the Hajj and Umrah sector and recommended the establishment of a Nigeria-Saudi Halal Investment Forum to promote trade, commerce and investment between the two countries.

On pilgrims’ healthcare, the conference recommended the establishment of a hospital or health facility in Saudi Arabia to reduce the cost of medical services and medication for Nigerian pilgrims while ensuring efficient healthcare delivery in compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations.

Participants also called for greater domestic participation in the aviation component of Hajj and Umrah operations, describing the sector as an enormous economic opportunity and urging stakeholders to maximise opportunities in line with Saudi Arabia’s guidelines and minimum requirements.

The conference further encouraged the local production of Hajj essentials, including pilgrims’ bags and ihram clothing, as part of efforts to stimulate domestic manufacturing, create jobs and retain more value within Nigeria’s economy.

While appreciating the contribution of tour operators to the delivery of satisfactory Hajj and Umrah services, IHR urged them to continually adapt their operations to emerging trends, challenges and changing pilgrims’ needs.

The annual IHR Hajj Awards were also highlighted as an important platform for recognising outstanding administrators, service providers and operators whose contributions help to improve standards in the industry.

Participants at the conference commended IHR for sustaining the annual lecture and awards as a platform for reviewing and appraising developments in the Hajj and Umrah sector.

The organisation expressed appreciation to all individuals, institutions, partners and stakeholders whose contributions made the 10th edition of the annual lecture and awards a success.

The communiqué was signed by the rapporteurs, Muhammad Suleiman Tola and Garba Muhammad.