By ABUBAKAR YUNUS
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Yusuf, on Wednesday unveiled a far-reaching reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, embracing digital innovation and improving service delivery ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform Agenda in Abuja, Yusuf said the commission was determined to reposition Nigeria’s Hajj administration by learning from the successes and shortcomings of the 2026 pilgrimage.
He said the summit was convened to critically assess the last Hajj exercise and begin preparations for the 1448AH/2027 pilgrimage.
“We have brought together the entire Hajj family—regulators, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private tour operators, airlines, medical teams, legislators and our Saudi partners—to reflect honestly on the 2026 Hajj and chart a better course for the future,” he said.
Yusuf stressed that the gathering was intended for honest evaluation rather than celebration, noting that every achievement should be consolidated while operational lapses must be addressed.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the political support that facilitated a successful Hajj operation and praised Vice-President Kashim Shettima for his commitment to Hajj affairs.
The NAHCON boss also acknowledged the support of the Sultan of Sokoto, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Reviewing the 2026 exercise, Yusuf said Nigeria recorded orderly airlift operations, improved visa processing through the Nusuk platform, enhanced medical services, stronger coordination among stakeholders and the safe return of pilgrims.
He, however, admitted that several operational challenges emerged during the pilgrimage.
According to him, 109 pilgrims bypassed mandatory medical screening, while lapses were recorded in catering services at the Masha’er holy sites, accommodation and transportation logistics, compliance by some service providers, and monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
He disclosed that NAHCON had commenced post-Hajj reconciliation with Saudi service providers, warning that poor service delivery would no longer be tolerated.
“The era in which contractual failure carried no consequences is over. Pilgrims must receive compensation where services fall below agreed standards, and future patronage will be based strictly on performance,” Yusuf said.
The NAHCON chairman said Nigeria must align its Hajj administration with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has transformed pilgrimage management through digital platforms such as Nusuk and Masar.
He warned that countries unwilling to modernise their Hajj operations risk losing access to improved quotas, premium services and priority scheduling.
“As one of the world’s largest Hajj-participating nations, Nigeria cannot afford to remain a spectator. We must become a strategic partner in this transformation,” he said.
To achieve the objective, Yusuf said the commission would institutionalise early planning, establish a National Pilgrimage Digital Platform for Hajj and Umrah services, strengthen financial transparency, enforce professional standards and accountability, decentralise operations while maintaining regulatory oversight, improve Umrah regulation and strengthen the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
He added that NAHCON would also introduce a standard national curriculum for pilgrim education, promote professional certification for Hajj officials, adopt data-driven pilgrim registration, enforce compliance with Tafweej and Jamarat movement schedules, and implement performance-based assessment of officials and service providers.
Yusuf disclosed that all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed tour operators had already been directed to commence preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
He urged participants at the summit to prioritise practical solutions over commendations.
“The Nigerian pilgrim is not asking for luxury. They are asking for order, dignity, and efficient service. Under this reform agenda, that is a promise we intend to keep,” he added.
Stakeholders at the summit welcomed the reform proposals, describing them as a significant step towards modernising Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
A stakeholder, Bello Imam, said the review reflected the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability by openly examining both achievements and shortcomings.
A licensed tour operator, Hassan Abdallah, said the reform agenda demonstrated the new leadership’s resolve to modernise Hajj operations through professionalism, digital innovation and stronger regulation.
Other participants also endorsed the proposed National Pilgrimage Digital Platform, improved training, early planning and performance-based monitoring, expressing confidence that the reforms would improve service delivery and enhance the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
