Nigeria to Host Major Hajj-Umrah Expo 2026 in Abuja
Nigeria has officially announced its plans to host the significant Hajj-Umrah Nigeria Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in the capital city of Abuja from January 28 to 30. This landmark event represents a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the organization and management of pilgrimage activities while positioning Nigeria as a central hub for faith-based tourism across West Africa.
Expo Details and Organisational Framework
The three-day expo is being organized by the Global Business and Investment Partnerships Forum, Nigeria, and is expected to draw a diverse array of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Participants will include government regulators, private service providers, international partners, investors, and intending pilgrims, all converging to discuss and deliberate on critical issues affecting the Hajj and Umrah value chain.
The primary focus of the expo will be on improving pilgrim welfare, enhancing coordination among various stakeholders, and attracting substantial investment into the pilgrimage sector. According to the organisers, this gathering marks the first comprehensive Hajj-Umrah-focused exhibition in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region, underscoring its historical significance.
Thematic Discussions and Sector Reforms
Under the theme "Enhancing the pilgrimage experience through Knowledge, access, Community," the expo will facilitate in-depth discussions on several key areas:
- Governance and regulatory frameworks for pilgrimage operations
- Service delivery improvements for pilgrims
- Investment opportunities across the Hajj and Umrah value chain
- Promotion of Shariah-compliant finance options
- Development of new business opportunities in related sectors such as aviation, hospitality, healthcare, ICT, logistics, and tourism services
Dr Aisha Ahmed-Shitu, Chairperson and Team Lead of the forum, emphasized that the expo is designed to foster collaboration between public institutions and private operators, which she identified as crucial for achieving sustainable sector reforms.
Strategic Objectives and Regional Positioning
Organisers have outlined several strategic objectives for the expo, which form part of a broader plan to establish Nigeria as a regional centre for pilgrimage management and faith-based tourism. Key goals include:
- Improving the safety and welfare standards for Nigerian pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah journeys
- Supporting policy and regulatory conversations to create a more efficient pilgrimage administration system
- Strengthening Nigeria's religious diplomacy and bilateral relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia
- Generating foreign exchange inflows and creating employment opportunities through the growing pilgrimage economy
The expo will feature an extensive exhibition and trade fair involving licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, airlines, hotels, banking institutions, fintech companies, insurance providers, healthcare organizations, and logistics firms. Additionally, scheduled business-to-business and government-to-government engagement sessions will provide platforms for networking and partnership development.
Expected Participation and Long-Term Impact
Organisers anticipate more than 2,000 physical participants attending the expo, with a combined digital and media reach projected to exceed 10,000 individuals. The event is envisioned as a long-term platform for driving sector reforms and improving pilgrimage administration in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Dr Ahmed-Shitu further noted that stronger institutions, more efficient systems, and greater private-sector participation are essential components for achieving Nigeria's goal of becoming a regional pilgrimage management hub. The expo represents a significant step toward realizing this vision while addressing practical challenges faced by pilgrims and service providers alike.
