Preparations for 2026 hajj exercise begin — NAHCON

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said preparations for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage have already begun following the conclusion of the 2025 hajj exercise. Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Kano after his arrival from Saudi Arabia, Prof Usman expressed deep gratitude to […]

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said preparations for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage have already begun following the conclusion of the 2025 hajj exercise.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Kano after his arrival from Saudi Arabia, Prof Usman expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah for a smooth and successful Hajj operation that witnessed the safe return of Nigerian pilgrims.

He said feedback from pilgrims and high-ranking officials, including members of the National Assembly’s Committees on Foreign Affairs and Hajj Affairs, attested to the success of the 2025 hajj.

Responding to a question about NAHCON’s readiness for the 2026 hajj, Usman said the commission had learned valuable lessons from the 2025 operations and was already building on that experience to ensure a more seamless exercise next year.

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“We have learned a lot from this year’s hajj. Insha Allah, we intend to deliver a better and more efficient operation in 2026,” he assured.

He urged intending pilgrims to begin early registration as Saudi Arabian authorities have announced plans to conclude all preparations for next year’s hajj within the next two to three months.

“We have received clear instructions from the Saudi authorities that they will not wait for any country to finalise their arrangements late. They want all logistics concluded early.

“We are now seeking approval to announce the hajj fare for 2026 soon. So, we appeal to all Nigerians intending to perform the pilgrimage to register early,” he said.