The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced a comprehensive review of the 2026 Hajj operations, with stakeholders commending the successes recorded during the exercise while identifying areas requiring improvement ahead of future pilgrimages.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ review meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful completion of the pilgrimage and commended officials who contributed to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
He praised staff of NAHCON, state pilgrims welfare boards, medical personnel, Islamic scholars, and traditional rulers for their commitment to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims performed their Hajj in good health, peace, and relative comfort.
“Everybody has done very well and we use this opportunity to commend you for all the good work you have done. We thank you all for your part in this modest success that we recorded,” the chairman said.
Ambassador Abba, however, acknowledged that some challenges were encountered during the exercise, noting that the gathering of about 1.7 million pilgrims within a limited area inevitably creates pressure on available facilities and services.
According to him, issues relating to accommodation, security, and feeding are common challenges during Hajj operations, stressing the need for patience among pilgrims undertaking the spiritual journey.
He urged Islamic scholars to continue sensitising pilgrims on the virtues of patience and the importance of maintaining realistic expectations while performing Hajj.
The NAHCON chairman assured stakeholders that lessons learnt from the 2026 exercise would be used to improve future operations.
“Mistakes will always be corrected. At the appropriate time, we will advise stakeholders on areas where mistakes were made so that necessary corrections can be effected and future Hajj operations can be even better,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman National Assembly Joint Committee on Hajj and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, described the 2026 Hajj operation as one of the best organised in recent years, while calling for improvements in healthcare delivery and pilgrim welfare services.
Ndume recommended greater collaboration among state pilgrims welfare boards in the provision of medical services, particularly in Mina, where he suggested the establishment of clearly designated medical tents to enable pilgrims access emergency healthcare more easily.
He also raised concerns over reports of some pilgrims being defrauded during currency exchange transactions, noting that many pilgrims from rural communities were vulnerable due to limited exposure.
Meanwhile, the National Medical Team presented its report on healthcare services rendered during the Hajj period.
The report indicated that medical teams provided consultations, emergency medical care, public health interventions, and referral services through 13 field offices and clinics established across the holy sites.
According to the report, two ambulances were deployed for emergency response operations, while 43 critically ill pilgrims received treatment and were discharged from the commission’s clinics.
The medical team further disclosed that 15 patients were referred to Saudi hospitals for specialised treatment, while seven pilgrims remained on admission at various Saudi medical facilities as of the time of the presentation.
Stakeholders at the meeting are expected to submit further recommendations aimed at strengthening future Hajj operations and enhancing the welfare and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.