By Suwaiba Ahmad The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has intensified diplomatic consultations as part of early preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
During a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja on February 27, 2026, the NAHCON Chairman engaged the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Albalawi, in discussions centered on ensuring a seamless pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims.
Ambassador Yusuf stressed the importance of sustained coordination between NAHCON and the Saudi authorities, particularly in aligning operational frameworks ahead of the pilgrimage season.
In his remarks, Ambassador Albalawi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NAHCON to guarantee a smooth and successful Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026.
The visit comes on the heels of three separate virtual strategy meetings recently convened by the NAHCON Chairman with Saudi-based officials. The engagements focused on regulatory guidelines, pilgrims’ quota, visa processes, IT integration, and broader bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Yusuf also disclosed that NAHCON has commenced preliminary inspections of facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to secure adequate arrangements that will enhance the comfort, safety, and overall welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.