The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, placing a renewed emphasis on seamless coordination and exceptional service delivery to eliminate pilgrim complaints.
Strategic Review and Staff Training
This renewed commitment was the central focus of a strategic operational review meeting held on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Hajj House headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was attended by the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside Commissioners, Directors, and media representatives.
A statement from the commission's Principal Information Officer, Shafii Sani Mohammed, revealed that the session featured monthly staff training specifically centred on Madina Operations. During the training, Chairman Usman stressed the non-negotiable need for professionalism, accountability, and teamwork across all operational units.
Adapting to Saudi Reforms and Pilgrim Expectations
Prof. Usman informed staff that Saudi Arabia consistently introduces new policies and technological reforms, making it imperative for NAHCON officials to remain updated and highly adaptable. He highlighted the dual challenge of evolving host country systems and rising expectations from Nigerian pilgrims.
"Policies and technologies in Saudi Arabia change every year, and the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims continue to rise. We must therefore ensure we are fully prepared, better informed, and highly coordinated," the Chairman stated.
He directly addressed the operational challenges faced during the previous Hajj exercise, reminding staff that the lessons learned must be the driving force behind improvements for the 2026 pilgrimage. "We saw the areas where we fell short. This year, we must be more disciplined, united, and committed to delivering the best for our pilgrims," he added.
A Push for a Complaint-Free Pilgrimage in Madinah
Echoing the chairman's sentiments, the Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, made a passionate appeal for a complaint-free experience for Nigerian pilgrims, particularly in the Prophet's City of Madinah.
"Please try to solve their problems, because any complaint against Madina, to my own sight, is a complaint to the Prophet. Therefore, do not allow our pilgrims to make any complaint—whether on food, accommodation, or visitations," Professor Yagawal urged.
He explained the critical importance of a pilgrim's first impressions, noting, "If a pilgrim feels comfort in Madina, it is a very good start and he will be smiling all along. But if he starts with a problem in Madina, the consequences will be very bad."
Earlier in the meeting, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, reaffirmed the management's dedication to strengthening staff capacity ahead of the 2026 Hajj, ensuring that every official is equipped to contribute to the commission's lofty goals.
