Nigeria Prepares to Host Groundbreaking Hajj-Umrah Expo 2026 in Abuja
Nigeria is set to host the inaugural Hajj–Umrah Nigeria Expo 2026, a landmark international event designed to revolutionize the planning and delivery of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages in the country. Scheduled to take place from January 28 to 30, 2026, at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja, this expo represents a strategic effort to position Nigeria as a regional centre for faith-based tourism and pilgrimage management. The event will culminate with a prestigious Gala and Awards Night at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, adding a celebratory dimension to the proceedings.
Organizational Framework and Vision
The expo is being organized by the Global Business and Investment Partnerships Forum, Nigeria, under the leadership of Dr. Aisha Ahmed-Shitu, who serves as the Chairperson and Team Lead. According to Dr. Ahmed-Shitu, this forum marks the first comprehensive Hajj–Umrah-focused expo in Nigeria and West Africa. Its primary objectives include strengthening pilgrim welfare, enhancing coordination among various institutions, attracting significant investment, and fostering robust public–private collaboration within the sector.
The broader vision of the expo is to help Nigeria emerge as West Africa's leading hub for Hajj, Umrah, and faith-based tourism. This ambition is supported by a commitment to building stronger institutions, implementing more efficient systems, and encouraging wider private-sector participation. Key goals outlined for the programme encompass improving pilgrims' safety and welfare, facilitating policy and regulatory discussions, promoting Shariah-compliant finance, and unlocking business opportunities across multiple sectors.
Stakeholder Engagement and Expected Participants
Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are expected to engage with the theme, 'Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience through Knowledge, Access, Community.' The forum will bring together government agencies, private operators, international partners, investors, scholars, and intending pilgrims to discuss critical issues such as governance, service delivery, investment, and innovation across the Hajj and Umrah value chain.
Expected participants include federal and state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Saudi Embassy, airlines, licensed tour operators, financial institutions, healthcare providers, ICT and logistics firms, religious leaders, and international delegations from countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and across West Africa. Organisers project over 2,000 physical attendees, alongside an estimated digital and media reach exceeding 10,000 people.
Expo Features and Programme Highlights
The expo will feature a large exhibition and trade fair involving licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, airlines, hotels, banks, fintech companies, insurers, healthcare providers, ICT firms, and logistics companies. Additionally, there will be numerous B2B and government-to-government engagement opportunities, including investor matchmaking sessions and private-sector deal rooms designed to foster partnerships and investments.
Beyond business and policy conversations, the expo will host Pilgrims' Education and Awareness Clinics focused on practical concerns such as travel documentation, health and vaccination requirements, financial planning, consumer protection, and spiritual preparedness. These clinics aim to empower intending pilgrims with essential knowledge for a smoother pilgrimage experience.
Awards Ceremony and Economic Impact
A highlight of the event will be the Gala and Awards Ceremony, which will recognise excellence and innovation within the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. Proposed award categories include:
- Outstanding Hajj and Umrah Operator
- Excellence in Pilgrim Welfare
- Best Airline Supporting Pilgrimage
- Innovation in Pilgrimage Services
- Institutional and Policy Excellence
Dr. Ahmed-Shitu emphasized that the event could significantly strengthen Nigeria's religious diplomacy and bilateral engagements, particularly with Saudi Arabia. It is also expected to support foreign exchange inflows and job creation linked to the pilgrimage economy, contributing to broader economic growth. The expo is positioned as a long-term platform for reforms, improved pilgrim welfare, and investment-driven growth in Nigeria's pilgrimage administration, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing the country's role in global faith-based tourism.
