By Olugbenga Salami

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has restated its commitment to food safety during the 2026 Hajj, saying the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remains its top priority.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Commission said Saudi health authorities are enforcing, strict food safety standards due to the prevailing weather conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to NAHCON, some dinner meals served on the night of 27th May, 2026 failed to meet required handling and packaging standards.

The Commission said the meals were immediately rejected in collaboration with Saudi health officials.

To address the incident, the service support company provided alternative light refreshments to the affected pilgrims.

Members of the NAHCON Board also visited the affected pilgrims and briefed state officials on the development.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers involved.

He also ordered a probe into individuals linked to the award of the affected contracts.

In a related development, Ambassador Yusuf instructed the Central Security Committee to investigate tour operators alleged to have brought in more pilgrims than officially registered.

The Commission said some operators were exploiting innocent pilgrims by exceeding approved quotas.

NAHCON warned that any operator found guilty after investigations would face sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licences.

The Commission further disclosed that arrangements are underway for immediate refunds to pilgrims affected by the meal incident.

NAHCON appreciated the understanding and patience shown by the affected pilgrims.

It reassured all Nigerian pilgrims of its continued commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the Hajj exercise.

The Commission said it would continue to work closely with Saudi authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards for all Nigerian pilgrims.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team of the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for completing the outbound airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims within the scheduled timeline.

In its Second Assessment Report released on Sunday in Makkah, the team described the feat as an operational milestone that largely aligned with projections.

The report, signed by the chairman of the committee, Malam Nasiru Lawal, noted that despite a few observations and logistical challenges, the exercise was largely successful.

IHR welcomed the establishment of additional embarkation points in Zamfara and Ogun States as a positive development for intending pilgrims, saying pilgrims from the two states no longer need to undertake stressful interstate journeys before departure to Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, the initiative has significantly reduced travel stress and improved safety for pilgrims, but however, noted that the new centres have placed additional logistical burdens on Hajj air carriers and overstretched NAHCON’s human resource capacity.

It said more zonal officials are now required at the various airports, while airlines need additional ground operational personnel, warning that the situation may increase operational costs in subsequent Hajj exercises if not properly managed.

Presenting its offshore assessment, IHR gave a relatively positive review of the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah where it particularly praised the standard of accommodation and the proximity of hotels to Masjid Al-Nabawi.

“We commend NAHCON for retaining the Markaziya locations for Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah, which continues to enhance pilgrims’ comfort and ease of access to the Prophet’s Mosque,” the report stated.

The team, however, advised NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to improve the turnaround time for allocating accommodation to arriving pilgrims in Madinah.

This, it said, will reduce waiting periods after arrival.

On feeding, IHR observed that arrangements have improved considerably compared to previous years, but called for greater variety and better menu selection.

The committee also described the launch of the interactive Hajj Companion App by NAHCON as a major step toward digitalising Hajj operations, noting that the app can improve pilgrims’ movement coordination and orientation services.

IHR added that the application has the potential to evolve into Nigeria’s own version of the Nusuk platform, covering all aspects of Hajj administration and pilgrims’ services.

To achieve that, the team recommended that NAHCON partner with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators in developing and integrating the app.

The collaboration, it said, would make the platform more comprehensive and inclusive of all stakeholders’ activities.

As the Masha’ir rites begin, IHR urged all operational stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj under comfortable and conducive conditions.

The committee also cautioned stakeholders against politicising Hajj services and urged focus on efficient service delivery to the guests of Allah.

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.