The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has embarked on a crucial pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, departing from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano. The journey, which marks a significant step in laying the groundwork for the 2026 Hajj operations, comes as part of NAHCON’s strategic efforts to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
The Chairman’s departure was marked by a brief but symbolic event attended by top officials of the Commission, representatives from the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and other key stakeholders in the Hajj industry. Prof. Usman, who has consistently emphasized proactive planning since assuming office, is expected to engage with relevant Saudi authorities and service providers during his stay in the Holy Land.
The pre-Hajj visit, a standard part of NAHCON’s operational calendar, involves assessing accommodation facilities, transportation arrangements, feeding logistics, and other critical services to be provided to Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj season. Sources close to the delegation confirmed that Prof. Usman will also use the visit to hold consultative meetings with the Muassasah (Saudi Pilgrims Establishment), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, and various licensed Hajj service providers to secure early commitments on service quality and costs ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
Under Prof. Usman’s leadership, the Commission has embarked on several reforms aimed at digitalizing Hajj operations, enhancing transparency, and improving the welfare of pilgrims before, during, and after the exercise. His current visit is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s readiness to align with global best practices in pilgrimage administration, especially in light of emerging challenges such as foreign exchange fluctuations, security protocols, and changing Saudi policies.
In a brief remark before departure, the Chairman reiterated the Commission’s resolve to continually engage all stakeholders in planning early to avoid the operational hiccups experienced in previous years. He also expressed confidence that this visit would strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in the area of religious tourism and deepen collaboration on issues affecting Nigerian pilgrims.
It is worth noting that the 2026 Hajj may witness an increase in Nigeria’s pilgrim quota, following improved diplomatic engagements and satisfactory conduct during the 2025 Hajj. This makes the current pre-Hajj mission even more critical as NAHCON seeks to ensure that the increased numbers are met with improved infrastructure and logistics.
The pre-visit, while technical in nature, is part of a broader policy drive by the Commission to institutionalize early preparations, a move that many in the Hajj industry have applauded as timely and strategic. Prof. Usman’s presence in Saudi Arabia is expected to pave the way for site inspections, contract negotiations, and agreements that will serve as the operational foundation for a smooth 2026 pilgrimage.
As Nigerians look ahead to the next Hajj season, NAHCON’s early move signals a clear intent to prioritize pilgrim welfare and uphold Nigeria’s reputation in the global Hajj community.