By Fatima Sanda Usara

The Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of the 2026 Hajj. The Chairman expressed this commitment during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 in the Conference Hall, Hajj House Abuja.

The meeting brought together 120 respected prominent Islamic clerics from accross, the country, including Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmed, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, Dr Isa Akindele Solahuddeen among many others.

Central to the discussion was NAHCON’s primary focus on Pilgrims’ Education and Orientation. The Chairman tasked the Ulama to support the Commission in conducting intensive sensitization sessions in multiple languages before and during the Hajj. Their guidance he stressed, should focus on equipping pilgrims with clear understanding of the rudiments and essential aspects of Hajj rites so that they can correctly perform their religious obligations.

He reiterated the need for continuous guidance, as well as prompt response to pilgrims’ questions and concerns, particularly in situations involving challenges that may affect the validity of their hajj.

The Ulama Team will also organize special prayer sessions at key locations during hajj, particularly at Arafat for Nigeria, leaders, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Professor Bashir Umar encouraged all clerics at the meeting to guide their respective congregations to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, since the impending hajj will take place within the 2027 general election cycle.

The Ulama collectively emphasized the importance of nurturing the mental readiness of pilgrims, encouraging unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah, while reinforcing the significance of Hajj as a transformative act of worship. The Team affirmed their readiness to ensure spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

Source: NAHCON