Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for what he described as significant improvements in the coordination of the 2026 Hajj operation, while crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention and support for contributing to the outcome.
Shettima made the remarks on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Abuja when he received a comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj exercise from the NAHCON board, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the commission to brief the Federal Government on the recently concluded pilgrimage and discuss the direction of future Hajj administration in Nigeria.
Shettima Praises NAHCON’s 2026 Performance
According to the State House, Shettima said NAHCON remained important to the success of future Hajj exercises and noted improvements recorded under its current management.
The Vice President attributed the outcome of the 2026 exercise partly to what he described as President Tinubu’s decisive intervention at a critical stage of the operation.
Shettima also commended the NAHCON board, particularly its chairman, for the leadership and capacity demonstrated during the pilgrimage.
The Vice President’s comments followed an earlier assessment in July, when he received NAHCON officials and representatives of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards at the Presidential Villa.
At that meeting, Shettima described the 2026 operation as almost seamless and said the performance should provide a benchmark for future efforts to improve the pilgrimage process.
NAHCON Reports Major Airlift Milestone
NAHCON’s records show that the 2026 outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims began on May 3 and was completed on May 21.
The commission said 98 outbound flights were operated over 18 days, averaging approximately five flights each day.
Nigeria had a total allocation of 50,000 Hajj slots for the 2026 exercise, including 9,750 places assigned to licensed tour operators, as well as slots for operational support personnel and statutory officials.
By the conclusion of the outbound airlift, approximately 39,000 pilgrims under the government quota, excluding officials and government representatives, had been transported to Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON said some intending pilgrims were unable to travel because of circumstances including deaths and ill health after visas had been issued.
The commission credited cooperation among its officials, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders for the orderly completion of the airlift.
Government Support Featured in the Operation
The role of the Federal Government was repeatedly acknowledged during the 2026 Hajj preparations and operation.
NAHCON had previously expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s support and Shettima’s supervision of the exercise, particularly in relation to the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
At the May 3 flag-off of the 2026 Hajj airlift in Abuja, Shettima urged Nigerian pilgrims to conduct themselves in ways that would positively represent the country in Saudi Arabia.
He also emphasised discipline, patience, humility and compliance with Saudi regulations during the pilgrimage.
The Federal Government’s involvement also extended beyond the physical movement of pilgrims.
In July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NAHCON through diplomatic and consular engagement with Saudi authorities.
The ministry said discussions with NAHCON covered medical screening, public awareness of Saudi regulations, institutional coordination and emerging changes in the administration of Hajj services.
NAHCON Faces Changes in Saudi Hajj Administration
The 2026 Hajj exercise took place against changes in Saudi Arabia’s approach to the organisation and delivery of pilgrimage services.
During the July briefing with Shettima, NAHCON Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf discussed Saudi Arabia’s move towards a more business-to-business model in Hajj administration.
According to the State House account, Yusuf said Saudi authorities were moving towards having private tour operators handle a larger share of pilgrim services, while NAHCON would retain its regulatory responsibilities.
He said the change was linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and would require Nigeria’s Hajj authorities to adapt to a different operational environment.
The development means that future Hajj planning will require continued coordination between Nigerian authorities, private operators and Saudi institutions.
Pilgrim Welfare Remained a Major Focus
Health and welfare services were also part of NAHCON’s preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The commission secured approval from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health for NAHCON clinics and medical outposts established to provide services to Nigerian pilgrims.
The approved facilities offered primary healthcare, consultations, first aid and treatment for minor ailments, while pilgrims requiring more specialised treatment could be referred to accredited Saudi medical facilities.
NAHCON also participated in discussions with Saudi Hajj authorities on issues including transportation, crowd management, health regulations, sustainability and the use of technology in pilgrimage administration.
The commission said such engagements were aimed at incorporating international practices into the organisation of Hajj services for Nigerians.
Coordination Across Multiple Institutions
The successful movement of thousands of pilgrims requires cooperation among several institutions.
NAHCON operates alongside State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, airlines, tour operators, security agencies, medical teams, diplomatic officials and Saudi authorities.
The commission’s May report specifically acknowledged the contribution of these stakeholders to the completion of the outbound airlift.
This coordination is particularly important because Hajj involves a large number of Nigerian pilgrims travelling to another country within a defined period and operating under Saudi regulations.
For the Federal Government, maintaining effective coordination will remain important as the Saudi authorities continue to adjust how pilgrimage services are organised.
Focus Shifts Towards Future Hajj Operations
With the 2026 exercise concluded, attention has already moved towards preparations for subsequent pilgrimages.
NAHCON said in May that planning for the 2027 Hajj would begin immediately after the conclusion of the 2026 season as part of efforts to consolidate improvements and strengthen service delivery.
The commission has subsequently published information concerning the 2027 Hajj, including approved fares and payment deadlines, designated air carriers and licensing arrangements for travel agencies.
However, future operations will also have to take account of developments in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj administration and the growing role of private operators.
NAHCON’s regulatory responsibilities will therefore remain important as Nigeria adapts to the changing structure of pilgrimage services.
Why the 2026 Hajj Review Matters
The Federal Government’s review of the 2026 Hajj provides an opportunity to identify practices that worked during the exercise and areas requiring further improvement.
For Nigerian pilgrims, the quality of Hajj administration affects several aspects of the journey, including registration, transportation, accommodation, medical support, communication and return arrangements.
NAHCON’s reported airlift figures demonstrate the scale of the logistical task.
The commission’s experience in 2026 will also provide information for planning future exercises, particularly as Saudi Arabia implements broader reforms under its Vision 2030 programme.
The emphasis on coordination is therefore likely to remain central to Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
What Happens Next
The next stage is continued preparation for the 2027 Hajj and adaptation to the changing framework for pilgrimage services in Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON has already begun administrative processes connected with the next exercise, while the Federal Government is expected to maintain diplomatic and institutional engagement with Saudi authorities.
The commission will also need to continue working with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, airlines, licensed operators and other stakeholders as preparations progress.
For the 2026 exercise, official records show that the outbound airlift was completed ahead of the Saudi deadline, with 98 flights transporting tens of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims.
Shettima’s latest assessment places the Federal Government’s emphasis on maintaining and improving that level of coordination.
The experience of the 2026 Hajj will consequently serve as an important reference point as Nigeria prepares for future pilgrimage operations and responds to changes in the international Hajj administration system.
Weng Global — Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The State House, Abuja — Official report on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s September 18, 2026 meeting with NAHCON and his assessment of the 2026 Hajj operation.
- National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) — Official 2026 Hajj outbound airlift report and operational updates.
- National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) — Official information on 2026 Hajj medical services and pilgrim welfare.
- Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs — July 2026 statement on diplomatic cooperation with NAHCON and Saudi Arabia.
- Voice of Nigeria — September 18, 2026 report on Shettima’s assessment of NAHCON and the 2026 Hajj.
- Hajj Reporters — September 18, 2026 report on Shettima’s receipt of the 2026 Hajj operations report.
