Prof. Usman briefs Saudi officials on Nigeria’s preparations as both sides pledge seamless coordination ahead of pilgrimage.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has briefed the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking during a virtual meeting, Prof. Usman highlighted key progress made by the Commission, including the successful reservation of initial camp slots and related services, in line with the Saudi Hajj calendar.

The NACHON Boss noted that the process of selecting air carriers for the 2026 Hajj is almost complete

He added that the Commission will soon finalize and forward the list of approved airlines to the Saudi Ministry for further coordination, including flight slot allocation and schedule harmonization.

On tour operations, Prof. Usman stated that the screening of private Hajj operators is in its advanced stage. He added that NAHCON will retain the same structure of grouping companies into 10 clusters as done in 2025, with lead firms maintaining the same camp zones. The names of lead companies will be communicated shortly.

Prof. Usman reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a smooth, well-organized, and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026, fully in line with the expectations of the Saudi authorities.

“The Commission remains committed to fostering strong collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure a successful and seamless Hajj operation,” he assured.

In response, the Saudi Ministry’s representative, Youssef Jamal Altharthi, commended NAHCON for its proactive preparations and commitment to early coordination. He stressed the importance of timely submission of pilgrims’ data to support smooth logistical planning.

Altharthi also urged NAHCON to ensure full compliance with health protocols and emphasized the need for early visa processing to allow the timely issuance of Nusuk cards.

He noted a new policy for the 2026 Hajj, under which pilgrims will now receive their Nusuk cards at the airport upon arrival, instead of at hotels or during departure to Makkah — a move aimed at improving operational efficiency.

The meeting was attended by top NAHCON officials, including Prof. Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS); Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations and Licensing; Alhaji Mohammed Ali, Secretary of the Commission; Alhaji Alidu Shutti, Director of Administration and Human Resources; and Dr. Danbaba Haruna, Special Assistant on General Duties to the Chairman/CEO.