NAHCON’s Strategic Push for a Seamless 2026 Hajj Experience
By Gambo Jagindi
September 25, 2025
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a significant departure from the country’s historical “last-minute approach” to pilgrimage planning. Barely weeks after concluding the 2025 Hajj season, NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman led a delegation to Saudi Arabia to secure critical service arrangements, underscoring the commission’s commitment to efficiency and preparedness .
This proactive stance is driven by lessons learned from past operations, with NAHCON keenly aware of the mounting logistical demands, shifting dynamics, and rising costs associated with the Hajj. Early preparations, digital transformation, and stakeholder collaboration form the backbone of NAHCON’s strategy, reflecting a broader vision supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to position Nigeria as a reference point in Hajj administration across Africa.
Professor Usman’s delegation has been engaging key Saudi service providers, including Mashariq Dhahabiyya, which provided Masha’ir services during the 2025 Hajj, to negotiate improved service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims. With 95,000 slots allocated for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026, these discussions are pivotal to ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience. The commission has also expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme through partnerships with multiple banks, enhancing accessibility for intending pilgrims ,
NAHCON’s timeline mirrors the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s operational calendar, with critical deadlines looming. These include early contracting and payments for essential services between September 6-23, 2025, finalization of accommodation and transportation contracts by September 23-24, 2025, and pilgrim registration and data entry on the Nusuk platform by October 12, 2025. In response, NAHCON has set October 8, 2025, as the cut-off date for stakeholders to remit Hajj fares, emphasizing the urgency of timely action,
Mallam Abdulrazak Aliu, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management, and Finance (PPMF) has earlier hinted that beyond logistical arrangements, NAHCON is investing in capacity building, having initiated staff training programs to strengthen operations and elevate service standards. This focuses on skilled personnel, prudent management, and sustained collaboration signals NAHCON’s resolve to address past challenges and lay a foundation for future excellence in Hajj administration .
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