By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

Faith-based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has set up a special media team to monitor the 2026 Hajj operations in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The committee comprises credentialed media professionals from print, online, and broadcast platforms with extensive experience in the Hajj and Umrah industry.

In a statement signed by IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation said the team has been deployed across departure points and Hajj camps to monitor the conduct of pilgrims and officials.

The team, according to Muhammad would document activities through video and photographs for inclusion in its 2026 Hajj Report, which will be submitted to the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf after the exercise.

The committee is chaired by Nasiru Lawal, former Editor of Daily Trust and current Editor‑in‑Chief of Dateline Nigeria, while Soliu Oyesiji will serve as secretary.

Other members include Nuruddeen M. Abdallah, National Secretary of IHR and former Investigative Editor of Daily Trust; Sani Tukur, Director of Media Publications at IHR; Jidda Abubakar Usman, veteran Hajj and broadcast journalist; Suleiman Tola, retired Managing Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria; and Mustapha Hodi, publisher of Bizpoint and an executive member of the organisation.

Also on the team are Hajiya Medina Dauda, veteran media professional, and Maryam Najeem, Administrative Secretary of IHR.

The organisation said the committee’s mandate is to complement NAHCON’s regulatory role by providing policy direction and supervising the Hajj and Umrah industry, adding that the report would assist the commission in shaping the regulatory policy framework for the Hajj ecosystem.

Muhammad said the initiative would support data gathering on operational conduct, which would form part of the post‑Hajj review process and guide recommendations aimed at improving service delivery.

He added that IHR, established in 2013 to monitor and report on Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, had activated its monitoring arm to further enhance standards in the Hajj sector.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commitment of the board and management to deepening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of this year’s Hajj.

Yusuf spoke during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team at the Hajj House headquarters of NAHCON in Abuja.

He urged the Islamic clerics to support the commission in conducting intensive sensitization sessions in multiple languages before and during the holy pilgrimage.

The meeting, according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, brought together 120 prominent clerics from across the country.

They include Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr. Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.

Yusuf stressed that their guidance should focus on equipping pilgrims with a clear understanding of the rudiments and essential aspects of Hajj rites so they can correctly fulfill their religious obligations.

He reiterated the need for continuous guidance and prompt responses to pilgrims’ questions and concerns, particularly in situations that may affect the validity of their Hajj.

The NAHCON boss added that the Ulama Team is also expected to organize special prayer sessions at key locations during the Hajj, especially at Arafat, for Nigeria, its leaders, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Responding on behalf of the team, Professor Bashir Umar encouraged his colleagues to urge their congregations to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the upcoming Hajj falls within the 2027 general elections cycle.

The clerics emphasized the importance of nurturing pilgrims’ mental readiness, encouraging unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah, while reinforcing Hajj as a transformative act of worship.

They collectively affirmed their readiness to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

In a related development, the Kogi State Council of Ulama of Nigeria has backed the NAHCON chairman, describing his appointment as a product of merit and moral credibility.

Led by its chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam Imam, the Council paid a courtesy visit to the NAHCON headquarters in Abuja to congratulate Yusuf.

The Council said his appointment was underpinned by a “distinguished career, tested administrative competence and enduring contributions to ethical development.”

It noted the symbolic significance of his emergence, pointing out that Yusuf is the first indigene of Kogi State—and indeed the North Central geopolitical zone—to head the commission since its establishment nearly three decades ago.

His track record, the clerics said, positions him to steer the commission at a critical juncture.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for what it called a “well‑considered decision,” expressing confidence that Yusuf’s experience and leadership acumen would reposition NAHCON and restore institutional confidence.

It called on the commission’s management, staff, and stakeholders across the Muslim community to rally behind Yusuf to address systemic challenges and improve operational efficiency.

Responding, Yusuf expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as humbling and encouraging.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and assured that his leadership would strive to surpass expectations and deliver measurable improvements in the commission’s performance.

By Olugbenga Salami

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commitment of the board and management to deepening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of this year’s Hajj.

Yusuf spoke during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team at the Hajj House headquarters of NAHCON in Abuja.

He urged the Islamic clerics to support the commission in conducting intensive sensitization sessions in multiple languages before and during the holy pilgrimage.

The meeting, according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, brought together 120 prominent clerics from across the country.

They include Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr. Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.

Yusuf stressed that their guidance should focus on equipping pilgrims with a clear understanding of the rudiments and essential aspects of Hajj rites so they can correctly fulfill their religious obligations.

He reiterated the need for continuous guidance and prompt responses to pilgrims’ questions and concerns, particularly in situations that may affect the validity of their Hajj.

The NAHCON boss added that the Ulama Team is also expected to organize special prayer sessions at key locations during the Hajj, especially at Arafat, for Nigeria, its leaders, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Responding on behalf of the team, Professor Bashir Umar encouraged his colleagues to urge their congregations to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the upcoming Hajj falls within the 2027 general elections cycle.

The clerics emphasized the importance of nurturing pilgrims’ mental readiness, encouraging unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah, while reinforcing Hajj as a transformative act of worship.

They collectively affirmed their readiness to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

In a related development, the Kogi State Council of Ulama of Nigeria has backed the NAHCON chairman, describing his appointment as a product of merit and moral credibility.

Led by its chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam Imam, the Council paid a courtesy visit to the NAHCON headquarters in Abuja to congratulate Yusuf.

The Council said his appointment was underpinned by a “distinguished career, tested administrative competence and enduring contributions to ethical development.”

It noted the symbolic significance of his emergence, pointing out that Yusuf is the first indigene of Kogi State—and indeed the North Central geopolitical zone—to head the commission since its establishment nearly three decades ago.

His track record, the clerics said, positions him to steer the commission at a critical juncture.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for what it called a “well‑considered decision,” expressing confidence that Yusuf’s experience and leadership acumen would reposition NAHCON and restore institutional confidence.

It called on the commission’s management, staff, and stakeholders across the Muslim community to rally behind Yusuf to address systemic challenges and improve operational efficiency.

Responding, Yusuf expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as humbling and encouraging.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him and assured that his leadership would strive to surpass expectations and deliver measurable improvements in the commission’s performance.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

The Association of Nigerian Imams has expressed its deep concern and condemnation the reports of hijab-wearing students being harassed, denied access, as well as forced to remove their religious attire at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination centers at the recent 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Association’s National Secretary,
Imam (Dr.) Umar Farooq Abdullahi, in a statement condemned the act
of an incident at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Ibadan on Thursday, April 16, 2026, where candidate Fatimah Salaudeen and other female students were reportedly compelled to remove their hijab before accreditation.

Imam Umar, while demanding for prosecution and protection of religious freedom had described it as a direct violation of their dignity,their person hood, and their constitutional rights, stressing that similar reports from Peter Harvard Schools in Abuja confirm this is not isolated.

The statement noted”. We echo the piercing question of the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede: “How would you ask another man’s wife to remove her hijab?”.This act is not mere “overzealousness.”

It’s insisted that it is religious harassment, public humiliation, and an abuse of delegated authority.

“Citing sanctions in 2024 at Bafuto Institute, Lagos, and denials at
Covenant University and Mountain Top University during the 2023 Mock UTME,
shows a pattern of impunity that must end in no future distance.

It however maintained”.JAMB’s swift intervention in Ibadan is commendable, and we note that the
restriction was lifted.Saying apologies after violation cannot replace
accountability before violation.

The Association of Nigerian Imams seek for Immediate delisting of Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre and any other center, including Peter Harvard Schools Abuja, found to have enforced this illegal policy. Criminal investigation and prosecution of all adhoc staff, supervisors, and security personnel involved, under Section 10 and Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant anti-discrimination
statutes.

According to the statement”.Other demands were Public disclosure by JAMB of disciplinary actions taken, to deter future violations, Mandatory retraining of all CBT center operators and security staff on JAMB’s guidelines on religious attire, with signed compliance before accreditation.

However, the law must have teeth, saying that without sanctions, we license the next violation.

The National Secretary had reminded Nigeria that freedom of religion is non-negotiable as stipulated.Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to manifest and propagate religion in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

The statement reiterated that the hijab is not a fashion statement.It is an act of worship and obedience for the Muslim woman.

JAMB’s own guidelines permit it, requiring only respectful, private
screening by female officers where necessary. No official, no security guard, no center owner has authority above the Constitution or above JAMB’s regulations.

Imam Farooq explained that to deny a girl her exam for wearing her hijab is to deny her education, her future,
and her citizenship. It is to tell half of this nation that their faith makes them
strangers in their own country. “We reject that”.

He stated that their message to all stakeholders was very clear which includes: “To CBT Centers: Your license to test is not a license to humiliate.

Respect the faith of candidates or forfeit the right to host them.To Parents and Students: Know your rights. Report every violation immediately with evidence. Silence feeds oppression.

Also: “To Government and JAMB: Enforce your policies. Publish a blacklist of violating centers. Freedom of religion cannot depend on the mood of an invigilator.

While, “To All Nigerians: Today it is the hijab. An attack on one faith is a threat to all faiths.The Association of Nigerian Imams stands with every Fatimah Salaudeen in this country. We stand for a Nigeria where merit, not modesty, determines access to education.

“.We await JAMB’s action beyond statements.The nation awaits justice.It noted.