By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has called for constructive engagement among stakeholders over concerns raised by a State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board on accommodation arrangements in Mina and Arafat for the 2026 Hajj.

In a statement issued by the NAHCON’s management, the commission acknowledged that challenges can arise during preparations for an operation as large and complex as Hajj.

The commission said continuous consultation remains the most effective way of resolving issues that affect pilgrims’ welfare and operations.

NAHCON explained that the selection and allocation of Mashair service providers for the 2026 Hajj were largely based on preferences and choices made by participating states during consultations with the Commission.

According to the statement, the commission respected the collective decisions reached by states in the interest of pilgrims’ welfare and operational harmony.

The commission, therefore, advised State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and officials to prioritise direct engagement with service providers, saying solution-driven discussions should come first, rather than taking unresolved concerns to the media prematurely.

NAHCON further encouraged states to work closely with service providers on-site, explaining that this would help identify gaps, improve arrangements where necessary, and ensure the comfort, safety, and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

The Mashair areas, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, are central to the Hajj rites and require coordinated logistics for accommodation, feeding, transportation, and medical support.

The commission noted that concerns raised by any state could be addressed more effectively through established channels of communication with service providers and NAHCON officials.

It reassured intending pilgrims of its commitment to monitoring service delivery in the Mashair during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON said it would continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful and hitch-free operation, urging all State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to maintain open lines of communication and avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension ahead of the pilgrimage.

With preparations for the 2026 Hajj already underway, the commission assured it would remain focused on delivering improved services for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has successfully concluded the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, bringing the operation to an end at 10:44 a.m. on Thursday, 21st May.

The final flight, which came ahead of the deadline set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the closure of inbound Hajj flights before the commencement of core Hajj rites, was operated by Max Air from Gusau International Airport with pilgrims from Zamfara State.

In a statement, the NAHCON management said the airlift operation commenced on 3rd May, 2026 and ran for 18 days without major disruption. A total of 98 flights, it disclosed were operated during the period, averaging about five flights daily across Nigeria’s designated departure centers.

It explained that Nigeria was allocated a total Hajj quota of 50,000 pilgrims for the 2026 exercise by Saudi authorities. The quota includes 9,750 slots assigned to Licensed Tour Operators, as well as operational support personnel and statutory government officials.

At the close of the outbound operation, NAHCON confirmed that about 39,000 pilgrims from the government quota, excluding officials and representatives, were successfully airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The commission noted that a number of intending pilgrims could not make the journey due to circumstances beyond their control, including cases of death and ill health recorded after visas had been issued.

NAHCON expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for what it described as an orderly, peaceful and successful coordination among all critical stakeholders throughout the exercise.

Chairman/CEO of the commission, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the resilience and cooperation demonstrated by board members, staff, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Licensed Tour Operators, official air carriers, security agencies, and operational committees.

Yusuf also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and compliance with guidelines during screening, boarding, and other logistical processes at the airports.

The commission extended special appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for their support and supervision, saying their intervention ensured the safety and overall wellbeing of pilgrims despite uncertainties in global socio-political trends.

As pilgrims settle into the Holy Land for the sacred rites, NAHCON reminded them that Hajj is a period that demands patience, discipline, sacrifice, steadfastness and fervent prayers.

The commission strongly advised pilgrims to abide by all laws and regulations guiding Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia and to avoid acts capable of attracting penalties or creating difficulties for themselves and others.

It further urged pilgrims to continue cooperating with officials and relevant authorities, assuring them that arrangements for Masha’ir operations have been concluded and will be continuously monitored to safeguard comfort and welfare.

On return logistics, the commission said preparations are being finalized for inbound flights, which are scheduled to commence on 3rd June, adding that detailed return schedules would be communicated appropriately in due course.

Looking ahead, NAHCON stated that preparations for future Hajj operations, including the 2027 exercise, would commence immediately after the conclusion of the current pilgrimage season. The goal, it said, is to consolidate on successes recorded and improve service delivery.

The commission concluded by praying for Allah’s acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and for their safe return to their families in Nigeria.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, has appealed to religious bodies in the country to avoid actions or statements that could heighten tension, and instead promote peace and understanding ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The appeal follows reports of a memo attributed to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, directing members to hold placard-carrying protests on Sunday, 24th May, 2026 to express concerns about government policies.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Agbabiaka, MMWG said it believes public protests at this time could strain the peaceful coexistence currently enjoyed among Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths in Nigeria.

“While freedom of expression is a constitutional right, we urge all religious organizations to exercise it responsibly, especially during sensitive periods like Eid-el-Kabir. Dialogue remains the best channel for addressing grievances,” the group stated.

MMWG also called on the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to encourage its member churches to promote messages of unity and to avoid actions that may be misconstrued as confrontational.

The group noted that RCCG is the church of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and expressed hope that the church would lead by example in fostering national harmony.

On issues of government support to religious groups, MMWG urged the Federal Government to ensure fairness and inclusivity in its engagement with all faith communities across the country.

The group further advised security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Army, Department of State Services, DSS, and National Intelligence Agency, NIA, to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that any planned gatherings are peaceful, lawful, and do not disrupt public order.

On the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, it urged Muslim and Christian leaders within the Council to strengthen consultation and use the platform to address misunderstandings before they escalate.

“Muslims continue to support dialogue as the primary means of resolving national challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure deficits. We believe this approach should be embraced by all,” MMWG concluded.