By Shafi’i Sani Muhammed The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement as part of its preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage, charging participating airlines to strictly adhere to operational standards and timelines.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the event as a defining milestone in the Commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj. He stressed that the airlift operation is a critical component of arrangements for the pilgrimage and must be handled with utmost professionalism, precision, and commitment.
The Chairman commended the airlines for their previous performances but emphasized that strict compliance with the provisions of the agreement remains non-negotiable. He noted that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to ensure that all Nigerian pilgrims are transported to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within stipulated timelines.
Ambassador Abba disclosed that the agreement includes clear compliance measures, including recovery timelines for any airline that falls behind schedule, as well as alternative arrangements where necessary to prevent disruptions. He assured stakeholders that NAHCON would diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
He stated firmly: “Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement. The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the agreement as a reflection of strengthened collaboration and shared commitment to service excellence. He said the 2025 Hajj airlift exercise provided valuable lessons that would guide improvements in the 2026 operations.
Prince Elegushi emphasized that the agreement represents a binding commitment to safety, transparency, and effective service delivery. He reiterated that punctuality, operational efficiency, adequate aircraft deployment, and effective management of operational challenges are critical to the success of the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the participating airlines, Barrister Shehu Wada SAN, Executive Director and representative of Max Air, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the confidence reposed in them. He described the Hajj airlift as a national assignment and assured the Commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality, and adherence to agreed schedules.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the agreement, reinforcing NAHCON’s resolve, in partnership with the airlines, to deliver a smooth, efficient, and successful 2026 Hajj airlift operation.