By Shafii Sani Mohammed As pilgrims from around the world prepare for the major rites of the 2026 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has continued to record steady progress in its operations in Makkah, with improvements reported in accommodation, feeding, medical services, transportation and pilgrims’ welfare.
This was one of the observations made by the Chairman of Mashariq Dhahabiyya, Sheikh Mohammad Ameen Andarqiri during a special meeting organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 15th May, 2026 to discuss preparations for Masha’er activities.
As at Friday, 15th May 2026, over 20,000 Nigerian pilgrims had been successfully transported to Makkah and fully accommodated, with a high percentage of pilgrims having their Nusuk cards marking a major improvement in the ongoing Hajj operations.
Pilgrims from Nassarawa, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Benue, Plateau, FCT, Borno, Taraba, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto and Bauchi States were successfully received, despite some delays encountered during room allocations in some locations.
NAHCON along with State officials promptly adressed all issues and ensured smooth settlement of the pilgrims. Officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also visited and confirmed resolution of reported challenges.
Similarly, the improvement in quality timely delivery of food to pilgrims’ accommodations was recorded, while the National Medical Team confirmed that over 500 medical consultations had already been successfully handled in NAHCON clinics in Madinah and Makkah.
One of the highlights of 2026 operations is the successful deployment of digital innovations including GPS mapping of pilgrims’ accommodations and real-time monitoring and reporting systems to improve service delivery.
Field Support staff in have encountered and assisted numerous pilgrims losing their way in Makkah while pilgrims were advised to always carry their Nusuk Cards for identification and access to services.
Passport Management and Control figures indicate that about 20,000 pilgrims’ had so far been received in Makkah and over 19,000 Nusuk cards issued
Officials at the review meeting commended the strong collaboration among operational committees, Saudi authorities and security agencies.
The reports collectively reflect NAHCON’s commitment towards ensuring efficient service delivery and improved welfare for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.