2027 Hajj: NAHCON prioritises hitch-free pilgrimage, engages key stakeholders

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is seeking to strengthen Hajj administration through stakeholder engagement, improved pilgrim welfare, enhanced operational efficiency, and reforms to improve the overall pilgrimage experience.

The commission is also engaging traditional rulers, government officials and security agencies to improve coordination, pilgrim sensitisation, safety and service delivery ahead of the next pilgrimage.

Chairman of the commission Ismail Yusuf made this known during a visit of the former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, to the commission on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday by Shafii Mohammed, head of Information and Publications Division of the Commission, Mr Ahmed offered strategic guidance and encouragement to the NAHCON leadership on advancing Hajj administration and improving services for Nigerian pilgrims.

The statement quoted the former SGF ascommending the progress recorded under Yusuf’s leadership, particularly the emphasis on prioritising pilgrims’ welfare.

He also stressed that sustained attention to pilgrims’ needs remained essential to improving their experience before, during and after the pilgrimage.

In response, Mr Yusuf described Mr Ahmed as an important stakeholder whose extensive administrative experience and institutional knowledge could contribute to ongoing efforts to reform Hajj administration.

He thanked the former SGF for the visit and his continued interest in the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring him that the commission would continue to draw on the experience and guidance of stakeholders in implementing practical reforms.

NAHCON strengthens stakeholder engagement

The visit comes amid a series of engagements between NAHCON and key stakeholders as the commission prepares for the 2027 Hajj and seeks to improve operational coordination.

On 30 September, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, visited the NAHCON chairman in Abuja and pledged the support of the traditional institution for more efficient Hajj administration.

The emir called for sustained improvements in the management of Hajj operations, noting that coordinating the movement and welfare of thousands of pilgrims requires strategic planning, transparency and dedication.

He also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in mobilising and sensitising intending pilgrims, particularly on registration requirements and preparations for the pilgrimage.

Similarly, on 7 October, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, paid a courtesy visit to Mr Yusuf, during which both institutions discussed strengthening cooperation on pilgrim safety, crowd management, security and coordination during Hajj operations.

The NSCDC pledged continued support for the commission’s reform efforts, while the NAHCON chairman reaffirmed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring safer and better-coordinated pilgrimage operations.

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These engagements reflect the importance of collaboration among the commission, traditional institutions, security agencies, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators in managing the increasingly complex logistics of Hajj.

Saudi Arabia approves additional 10,000 slots

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 pilgrimage, raising the country’s allocation from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.

NAHCON announced the development on 1 October, attributing the increase to sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the new allocation, 7,500 slots have been assigned to state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while the remaining 2,500 have been allocated to seven lead licensed tour operator companies.