Ex-SGF Yayale tasks NAHCON on better 2027 Hajj services

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to sustain efforts to improve services and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.

Ahmed made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Amb Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the Hajj House in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the commission’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed.

The former SGF commended the progress recorded by the commission under Yusuf’s leadership, particularly its focus on the welfare of pilgrims, describing sustained attention to their needs as essential to improving their overall Hajj experience.

NAHCON statement read, “Alhaji Yayale Ahmed expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the progress recorded by the commission under Ambassador Yusuf’s leadership.

“He specifically noted his satisfaction with the chairman’s agenda, praising its core focus on prioritising pilgrim welfare. Alhaji Ahmed emphasised that sustained attention to the needs of pilgrims is essential to enhancing their overall Hajj experience.

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“In response, Ambassador Yusuf described Alhaji Yayale Ahmed as a vital stakeholder whose vast administrative skills, experience and insight remain invaluable to the Hajj sector.

“The chairman expressed his gratitude for the visit, thanking the elder statesman for his continued personal guidance and interest in the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

“Ambassador Yusuf assured the former SGF that NAHCON remains committed to leveraging the wisdom of key stakeholders as it implements practical measures to reform Hajj administration and elevate service delivery.”

Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj quota was increased from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims on October 1 after Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 slots for the country.

Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.

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