In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the quality of pilgrimage experiences for Nigerian Muslims, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a high-level delegation to another crucial engagement with Mashariq Dhahabiyya Company—one of the major service providers that catered to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The meeting, which took place as part of NAHCON’s post-Hajj evaluation and planning process, focused on reviewing the standard of services delivered in the just-concluded pilgrimage and exploring avenues for improvement should the company be re-engaged for the 2026 Hajj operations. Sources close to the discussions revealed that NAHCON is determined to raise the bar in areas such as accommodation, transportation, feeding, and overall pilgrim welfare in line with international best practices and Saudi Hajj regulatory standards.
Professor Usman, who assumed leadership of the Commission with a mandate to reform and strengthen Hajj administration in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of proactive planning and accountability among service providers.
According to insiders, the meeting also touched on issues raised by Nigerian pilgrims regarding congestion, logistics coordination, and responsiveness during the 2025 pilgrimage—concerns which the Chairman described as “non-negotiable areas for improvement.”
Mashariq Dhahabiyya, which was among the licensed companies approved by Saudi Arabia to provide services to international pilgrims, had a significant role in catering to the needs of Nigerian hujjaj this year. With over 95,000 Nigerians performing the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON’s collaboration with service firms like Mashariq is pivotal to ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for citizens.
The talks signal NAHCON’s early preparations for the 2026 Hajj, a process the Commission has repeatedly said must begin immediately after each year’s pilgrimage to enable timely decisions, adequate training of officials, and efficient visa processing.
As Nigeria continues to record one of the largest contingents of Hajj pilgrims globally, the Commission’s leadership is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to deliver value, protect pilgrims’ investments, and uphold the spiritual integrity of the sacred journey.
Further meetings with other service providers are expected in the coming weeks, as NAHCON intensifies its evaluation and selection process for the next Hajj cycle.
